A commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo State have been shot dead by the military troops.
The deceased, whose identity was not given, was reportedly killed at Banana Junction in Orlu Local Government Area of the state, where he had led his men to engage the troop in a shoot out.
of the separatist group, who were firing sporadically at Banana Junction in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.
It was learnt that the members of the separatist group was enforcing sit- at-home order of the IPOB on residents of the state when theor leader was gunned down
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the IPOB commander was killed during a duel at Ihioma Community in Orlu.
Nwachukwu, who disclosed that on sighting the troops, the “IPOB/ESN criminals” withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander SUV towards Ihioma community for reinforcement, said: “In the fire fight that ensued, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing dissidents.
“Having suffered casualties and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the group has resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments.
“This, they have done by circulating a doctored video on social media alleging troops’ complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety.”
