Army debunk rumours on shooting, burning of house during Enugu community raid
The 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu has denied any incident of shooting and burning of houses in Mgbowo Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The army, which said it only carried out a night raid at a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in the community, disclosed that two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested.
It insisted that any act of unprofessional conduct among its troops would not be tolerated.
These were contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, which said the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.
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The rebuttal followed the rumour of military invasion of the community where soldiers were seen in a viral video shooting indiscriminately and setting people’s houses ablaze in the community.
According to Abdullahi: “Contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid. The joint operation in Agwu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.
“The trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath of the night operation is not portraying the Agwu operation. It is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army”.
The statement noted that investigation into the video was ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved.
While promising to communicate updates of the investigation when completed, the statement said any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly.
It advised members of the public to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public.
The army also vowed to continue to support other security agencies in line with its constitutional mandate in a professional manner.
