Army dismisses claim five killed as IPOB members attack troops + videos, photos

The Nigerian Army has dismissed the claim that five persons were killed and 30 injured when troops insisted on passing through a route in Abia State for a show of strength exercise, which was opposed by members of the Independent People of Biafra.

The clash occurred on Sunday evening.

The troops were blocked by the IPOB members as they made to go through the FMC-World Bank Road in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The road is said to be close to the residence of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the palace of his father, who is a traditional ruler in Abia State.

According to available information, the members of IPOB attempted to turn back troops that were on a routine show of strength exercise.

This development was confirmed by the Army late on Sunday.

A statement by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade, Major Oyegoke Gbadamosi, stated: “The attention of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, has been drawn to fictitious news going round especially on the social media that troops have invaded the home of Nnamdi Kanu and killed 3 persons.

“This is far from the truth. Rather, it was a group of suspected IPOB militants that blocked the road against troops of 145 Battalion while on show of force along FMC-Word Bank Road in Umuahia town, Abia State at about 6.00-6.30pm, today. They insisted that the military vehicles would not pass and started pelting the soldiers with stones and broken bottles to the point of injuring an innocent female passerby and a soldier, Corporal Kolawole Mathew.

“The troops fired warning shots in the air and the hoodlums dispersed. No life was lost.

“Therefore the public are kindly enjoined to disregard the rumours going round and the fictitious photographs of purported victims of attack. Both the soldier and the innocent female passerby have been evacuated to the unit’s Medical Inspection Room and are receiving treatment.

“We would like to use this opportunity to warn mischief makers threatening the peace and security of the country through falsehood such as above.

“Members of the public are please requested to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security outfit.”