Soldiers, Police clash with IPOB ESN in Orlu, many reported dead (Video)

Many people were feared dead and property destroyed as members of Eastern Security Network, ESN set up by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) clashed with a combined team of police and soldiers in Orlu, Imo state.

The crisis had been brewing since last week after a clash between ESN volunteers and police resulted in deaths.

The security agencies were then said to have planned a reprisal.

Witnesses report sporadic shooting and residents took cover to avoid stray bullets. The shooting was heard as far as neighbouring communities of Okporo, Akata and Umutanze.

The soldiers were said to be drawn from the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze

Military checkpoints have been erected on roads and travellers are being advised to avoid using Orlu road or even move about by night.

The group had released a video, which went viral last week, showing ESN volunteers boasting how they dislodged security men who attacked them and displayed the vehicles the policemen had abandoned while escaping.

Watch the Video Below;

https://twitter.com/i/status/1353845817401028610

There is war going on in my state right now in olu. It’s a war between the IPOB and Army in Orlu pic.twitter.com/zGAdSjadYm

— SAMKLEF NONI (@SAMKLEF) January 25, 2021

The Nigerian Military @HQNigerianArmy On The Streets Of Orlu, Imo State Killing Innocent Civilians Unprovoked. This Is What Governor @Hope_Uzodimma1 Sent The Nigerian Military To Do. To Slaughter His Own People. Ongoing Geneocide Is Happening In Orlu, Imo State. @UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/VT84m3hR1D

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) January 25, 2021