Outrage as Army deploys soldiers, helicopters in Orlu

The Nigerian Army has deployed soldiers and helicopters in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State in search of camps occupied by the personnel of Eastern Security Network (ESN) linked with Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The action has raised anger among opinion leaders and other concerned individuals across the country.

There are unverified videos online showing helicopters hovering round the Orlu town, with bombs being dropped, with intermittent shootings

A statement from the Nigerian Army, posted on the verified twitter handle of Nigerian Government said, “The Nigerian Army, in line with its constitutional mandate, wishes to reassure the general public that troops in operational synergy with sister security agencies are in pursuit of the criminal elements in order to ensure safe return of the kidnapped victims.”

But a number of comments on twitter indicated that the Nigerian Army is bombarding Orlu, with several casualties.

A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, said, “The bombing & killing of innocent men, women & children in Orlu, Anambra State by soldiers of the Nig. Army is totally & completely unacceptable & I wholeheartedly condemn it. Shedding innocent blood is not the way forward & I call on the Nigerian Army to show restraint.”

A social critic, Aisha Yesufu, stated, “What is this report of Nigerian military dropping bombs in Orlu? Is that the Sambisa forest?”

Another commentator, Oluyemi Fasipe, said, “Why are they bombing Orlu while doing get-together parties with terrorists (bandits) in the North?”

Ifa Funso stated, “Too obvious that Nigeria governments are behind Boko Haram, bandits and Fulani herdsmen. I don’t know how a sane government will channel their power more on innocent people in Orlu than the terrorists in Sambisa forest.”

Oluchi Christy said, “Nigerian government deployed soldiers to Orlu to attack ESN and innocent Orlu Community, Imo State, but sent Northern Governors and Sheik Gumi to dialogue with Fulani terrorists and killer herdsmen.”

Fadahunsi Olaoluwa tweeted, “More than 36hrs after a kidnap in Kagara, Niger State, the military is busy conducting airstrikes in Orlu, Imo State when they ought to be following after the kidnappers tail. Maybe there’s a direct flight to Kagara from Orlu.”