In a bid to flush out criminal elements masquerading as agitators, the Nigerian troops have commenced a special military operation in Amangwu Ohafia community, News Band authoritatively gathered.
Amangwu Ohafia community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State has been under siege by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
The gunmen in the last two years after taken over the sole administration of the little community, also established a mini-military barracks where residents who question their illegitimate authority are tortured.
Though, when this paper commenced the investigation of the armed gang eight months ago, it was somewhat difficult to infiltrate the rank and file of the group through covert operation. Throughout the period that the rogue group was investigated, shocking revelations were made.
News Band discovered that the ragtag gunmen were drawn from different states across the Southeast and South South region. While their weapons according to security intelligence were gotten from Ebonyi and Calabar arms dealers.
Formerly, the group was operating from a remote bush in the community but as their influence grows, they relocated to their mini-military barracks inside the community through the help of a traditional ruler.
The military barracks where daily activities of the outlawed group is been planned is currently located in a place called Ndi–Okwara compound under the leadership of a commander known as George Ulor aka, Uchechi.
The group from investigation, has also extended it’s sphere of authority to Okon, Amuma and Asaga community in Ohafia Local Government Area of the State.
The armed group which claim to be fighting for the restoration of defunct Biafra Republic, was behind the attack launched at the home of Barrister Olugu Kalu Ugba, an ally of governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2021. His mansion and exotic cars were set ablaze by the separatist gang who falsely accused him of mounting surveillance cameras to spy their activities.
They were also behind the unrest in the community last year which resulted to the killing of a widow and her two grown up daughters. According to a community source, the gunmen targeted the widow and her daughters after they were accused of fraternizing with Nigerian soldiers who were drafted to the community to restore normalcy during the attack at Barrister Olugu Kalu Ugba’s residence.
Meanwhile, a military source told this paper that Nigerian troops currently have taken over the community in pursuit of the gunmen. Villagers are also leaving in droves so as to avoid being caught up in the crossfire.
Another source from the community told News Band that some of the gunmen have fled into the bush as the military continue to search for them.
