Operatives of the Nigerian Air Force have reportedly bombarded some communities in Orlu, Imo State, believed to be harbouring members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), operated by IPOB.
It was gathered that the strike started on Thursday morning worsening the already built-up tension in the areas.
A video of the aerial bombardments on Thursday surfaced with fresh tension and anxiety building in the communities.
“Nigerian soldiers are currently conducting aerial strikes in our areas. Many innocent lives may be lost. They are probably looking for ESN operatives who are checking the activities of killer Fulani herdsmen,” a community head told SaharaReporters.
“People’s homes and market places may be affected. We don’t need aircraft in Orlu. They should go and find the stolen school pupils in Niger State,” another angry resident said.
“I have the video. There was an aircraft firing shots possibly in a nearby bush. Very reckless of the airforce; civilians are all over the place,” another person said.
THERE IS CURRENTLY AIR BOMBARDMENTS IN ORLU IMO STATE BY NIG SOLDIERS. MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED WITH AIR STRIKES.WE ALSO LEARNT THAT MARKET PLACES WERE AFFECTED.
NIG MILITARY IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR #ESN WHO ARE CHECKMATING THE ACTIVITIES OF KILLER FULANI HERDSMEN PIC.TWITTER.COM/R3SGDEVPTK
— EMEKA GIFT (@EMEKAGIFT) FEBRUARY 18, 2021
Confirming the military operation, the army spokesperson of the 34 artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, Imo state, Babatunde Zubairu, said the locals were not being harassed.
He confirmed the deployment of helicopters and other military gadgets in the operations.
The army spokesperson said that the operation was an offshoot of military intelligence.
