Residents in and around Osumoghu community in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State have said they are currently living in fear following air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force.
Some of the residents, who spoke to our correspondent on Thursday, said many people were fleeing their various homes for fear of any reprisal attacks by the hoodlums being dislodged in the forests around the communities.
NAF had, on Wednesday, in a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced that it had bombed camps and armouries of the Indigenous People of Biafra in Mother Valley Orsumoghu in the Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State and at Aku Ihube in the Okigwe LGA of Imo State.
Gabkwet said the air operations were conducted following credible intelligence reports that suspected IPOB fighters had finalized plans to unleash mayhem on residents.
But IPOB, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, in a press statement on Thursday, debunked NAF’s claims, insisting that it does not have any camp in the said locations. It accused the military of bombing innocent civilians living in those communities.
When our correspondent visited the Osumoghu community in Nnewi South LGA, there was palpable tension as major roads in the area appeared deserted and most shops and markets in the area did not open.
An octogenarian in the community, who identified himself as Nnanna Offor, said, “Indigenes of Orsumoghu community have started fleeing in droves for fear that the terrorists may regroup and attack them.
“Also, On September 20, 2023, troops on patrol raided criminal hideouts in AMAC of FCT. During the operation, troops arrested 51 suspects and impounded three vehicles for various offences. All have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
Edward said troops rescued 91 kidnap victims, adding that 104 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across various theatres of operation.