Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Residents of Imezi Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State have described living in fear and abandoning their homes amid military operations targeting suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Several residents said they have been forced to spend nights in nearby bushes and forests after fleeing the community, fearing for their safety as security operations intensified in the area. They explained that many families abandoned their homes to avoid being caught in clashes between security personnel and suspected armed group members.
According to community members, the latest crisis began after troops launched an operation in the area based on intelligence reports of suspected criminal activities. The operation reportedly sparked panic, prompting many residents, particularly young men, to flee for fear of being mistaken for suspects or becoming victims of the violence.
Some villagers alleged that several houses were destroyed during the operation, leaving affected families without shelter. They said the destruction has displaced many residents, disrupted livelihoods and forced families to depend on relatives and neighbours for temporary accommodation.
The Nigerian Army, however, has denied deliberately targeting civilian homes. Military authorities said troops came under attack while carrying out an operation against suspected IPOB and ESN operatives and responded to the assault in line with established rules of engagement.
According to the Army, an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside a building used by suspected armed group members triggered a fire that spread to nearby structures. The military maintained that the destruction was not the result of a deliberate attack on civilian property.
The Army also stated that troops recovered improvised explosive devices, improvised hand grenades and other materials during the operation. It added that one suspected collaborator was arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
Despite the military's explanation, residents say fear continues to dominate daily life in the community. Many families remain unwilling to return to their homes, while farming and other economic activities have been severely disrupted by the prevailing insecurity.
Community members have appealed to both the government and security agencies to ensure adequate protection for innocent civilians while pursuing criminal elements. They also called for support for families displaced by the violence and measures to restore peace to the area.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of Nigeria's South-East, where military operations against armed groups have intensified in recent years. While authorities insist the operations are necessary to combat criminal activities and protect public safety, affected communities continue to grapple with the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Residents say their greatest hope is for lasting peace that will allow them to return to their homes, resume farming and rebuild their lives after weeks of fear, uncertainty and displacement.
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Area of Enugu State have described living in fear and abandoning their homes amid military operations targeting suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Several residents said they have been forced to spend nights in nearby bushes and forests after fleeing the community, fearing for their safety as security operations intensified in the area. They explained that many families abandoned their homes to avoid being caught in clashes between security personnel and suspected armed group members.
According to community members, the latest crisis began after troops launched an operation in the area based on intelligence reports of suspected criminal activities. The operation reportedly sparked panic, prompting many residents, particularly young men, to flee for fear of being mistaken for suspects or becoming victims of the violence.
Some villagers alleged that several houses were destroyed during the operation, leaving affected families without shelter. They said the destruction has displaced many residents, disrupted livelihoods and forced families to depend on relatives and neighbours for temporary accommodation.
The Nigerian Army, however, has denied deliberately targeting civilian homes. Military authorities said troops came under attack while carrying out an operation against suspected IPOB and ESN operatives and responded to the assault in line with established rules of engagement.
According to the Army, an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices allegedly stored inside a building used by suspected armed group members triggered a fire that spread to nearby structures. The military maintained that the destruction was not the result of a deliberate attack on civilian property.
The Army also stated that troops recovered improvised explosive devices, improvised hand grenades and other materials during the operation. It added that one suspected collaborator was arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
Despite the military's explanation, residents say fear continues to dominate daily life in the community. Many families remain unwilling to return to their homes, while farming and other economic activities have been severely disrupted by the prevailing insecurity.
Community members have appealed to both the government and security agencies to ensure adequate protection for innocent civilians while pursuing criminal elements. They also called for support for families displaced by the violence and measures to restore peace to the area.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of Nigeria's South-East, where military operations against armed groups have intensified in recent years. While authorities insist the operations are necessary to combat criminal activities and protect public safety, affected communities continue to grapple with the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Residents say their greatest hope is for lasting peace that will allow them to return to their homes, resume farming and rebuild their lives after weeks of fear, uncertainty and displacement.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
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