By Augustine Ehikioya
Worried by media reports, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has debunked alleged attack on soldiers at Ehime Mbano in Imo State.
It declared that the report is false and the fabrication of the imagination of IPOB/ESN elements in the State.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel J Eromosele Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy-Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said “The attention of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) as been drawn to false reports circulating on certain online media platforms, claiming that an attack on troops deployed at the Ehime Mbano Local Government Secretariat resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians.
“These reports are baseless fabrications, a product of the imagination of the terrorist IPOB/ESN elements and their sympathizers, who aim to undermine the confidence of the people of Imo State and, by extension, the entire South East region.
“It is important to recall that on 3 October, 2023, the Local Government Headquarters of Isiala Mbano LGA, built and maintained with public funds, was set ablaze and destroyed by the same IPOB/ESN criminal elements. A similar mindless attempt was made at the Ehime Mbano LGA Secretariat in the late hours of 8 October, 2024.”
The statement however explained that the swift and gallant response of the troops thwarted the criminals’ efforts to breach the LGA Secretariat.
“The criminal elements, who arrived in large numbers and fired sporadically from a distance, were forced to retreat quickly in the face of the overwhelming firepower of the vigilant troops.
“During a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of 9 October, 2024, it was confirmed that the dissidents had suffered heavy casualties, as evidenced by bloodstains on the Ehime Mbano-Oriagwu road.”
It urged the public to disregard the false information spread by the online publication.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting citizens and critical government infrastructure in Imo State and will continue to deal decisively with any criminal elements attempting to subvert the government.
“It is disheartening to witness the cowardly actions of these dissidents, who burn down public buildings funded by taxpayers. Clearly, IPOB is not acting in the interest of the people but for selfish purposes.
“The 82 Division Headquarters encourages all residents of Imo State and the South East region to continue providing security agencies with valuable information to help eliminate these criminal elements.
“Residents are urged to call the toll-free line 193 and select Option 2 to report suspicious activities. We reassure the good people of the South East that they can continue their daily activities without fear or intimidation from any group. Rest assured, the Nigerian Army will remain vigilant in its duty to protect the nation and its citizens.” it concluded.
