Three persons were reportedly killed on Friday after soldiers raided Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State in retaliation over the death of two army officers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a community leader in Umuokwu village, James Imo said over 50 houses were razed.
“I was informed that two military men were killed and their vehicle set ablaze after they killed one young man, Chukwunonso Iherue, in Umuokwu-Izombe.”
Imo disclosed that trouble started after a disagreement between youths in Izombe and soldiers over oil bunkering operations.
The community leader alleged that the youth overpowered the personnel, took their guns and burnt their vehicle.
He said the soldiers ran to the palace of the traditional ruler, but the youth brought them out and killed them. The situation led to reinforcement.
“Some soldiers attacked our community in retaliation over 18 Hilux vans carrying petrol and three war tanks”, a source told NAN.
“My cousin living next to our compound told me that her house was burnt down after which the soldiers went and burnt down Chief C. A. Onyeukwu’s building.”
The incident has been reported to the Nigerian Army 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Owerri.
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