Mayhem as soldiers, unknown gunmen exchange fire in Imo, armoured car burnt

There was two days of mayhem in Orlu, Imo State, on Thursday and Friday, as police and army in joint operation engaged “unknown gunmen” in gun duel with both sides recording massive casualties, while a military armoured tanker was destroyed.

Eight suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed by the police and army joint forces for alleged attempt to attack Orlu police station in Imo State.

The Unknown gunmen passed through Arondizuogu/Akokwa yesterday afternoon forcefully taking peoples cars and shooting in crowded places.

It was gathered that they later headed to Orlu where the Army joint security operations team engaged them head on.

According to an eyewitness, who sent a memo to ElombahNews, “the soldiers took to their heel as unknown gunmen outgun them, many killed, others taken alive”.

He added that “soldiers abandoned their vehicles and many killed and others captured alive as the unknown gunmen outgunned them and took over the city of Orlu.”

The Nigerian Army operatives, though, would not take the defeat lying down as they mobilised on Friday and returned with heavy firepower.

The soldiers, however, ended up fighting no one as the marauding unknown gunmen have dispersed and were nowhere to be found.

When ElombahNews contacted an Orlu resident via telephone, gunshots were heard at the background.

The resident, who pleaded anonymity, said that all streets are deserted as no-one dared go out for his or her private engagements.

All markets and schools were also shut down until further notice.

More updates will follow. Stay tuned…

https://twitter.com/mobilisingniger/status/1390568576185249796?s=20

These Are Vehicles Recovered by Nigerian Joint Security Forces in Orlu.#CoalCityConnect pic.twitter.com/wlnlBH84vi

— South East Connect (@Coal_City) May 7, 2021

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