Residents of Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State fled their homes on Monday following a shootout between soldiers and suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), recently established by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
It could not be ascertained if there were casualties, but reports say several people sustained injuries.
However, a viral video showed bodies lying on the streets of a location said to be Orlu, including that of a woman, said to have been hit by a stray bullet.
Vehicles conveying armed soldiers were also seen. A clip showed soldiers lying on the ground and appearing to take aim.
As the violence escalated, Governor Hope Uzodimma declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in 10 of the affected council areas.
It was gathered many houses and shops were burnt in reprisal by soldiers following the alleged killing of one of them.
Last Friday, a policeman was also allegedly killed at Okporo, Orlu, by some security operatives believed to be ESN members.
Scores were wounded in the ensuing fracas.
According to the state government, “innocent citizens were killed and maimed in the process”.
Uzodimma, in a statement by his spokesman Oguwike Nwachuku, said the curfew followed disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants that unleashed mayhem on residents of Orlu.
He urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators without fail.
The governor said the curfew was an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in the area.
It will begin at 6pm and end at 6 am daily and affects Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre local government areas of Orlu zone.
Addressing a news conference, Uzodimma said the perpetrators of the carnage were out to paint a picture of near break down of law and order in Orlu area.
The governor advised the residents of the affected LGAs to comply with the curfew as anyone who violates it will be treated as a suspect.
Uzodimma said security personnel have been directed to carry out a 24-hour patrol, adding that law-abiding citizens can go about their businesses without fear of molestation.
The governor condoled with the families of the bereaved and assured them that those who committed the heinous crime against them and their loves ones will not go unpunished.
The governor said: “This afternoon, I received a very disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants who unleashed a shooting spree in the Orlu area of the state, killing and maiming innocent citizen in the process.
“I am totally appalled by this sad report which appears to paint a picture of near breakdown of law and order in the Orlu area.
“The government condemns in its entirety this act of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.
“This is completely unacceptable to this administration. Those behind this callous barbarism will surely regret their actions.
“Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to fish out without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book.
“Let no one be in any doubt that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will ever escape justice. I assure them that they will pay for their cruelty against a peace-loving, innocent people.”
The governor assured Imo people that the situation in Orlu area is under control.
“Every security measure necessary has been put in place to ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their businesses in the affected areas without any fear of molestation.
“The government sincerely condoles with the families of the bereaved and all the victims of the unfortunate incident.
“I assure them that those who committed the heinous crime against them and their loved ones will never go unfurnished,” the governor said.
– Media Report