By Williams Orji
The 82 Division of Nigerian Army has described as false, some media reports that claimed that there was attack on troops deployed to Ehime Mbano Local Government secretariat, which resulted in the death of several soldiers and civilians.
The army made this position known through a press statement posted in its X handle on Thursday by Lt Col J. E Unuakhalu, the Acting Deputy-Director, 82 Division, Army Public Relations of Nigerian Army.
The statement described the reports as “baseless fabrications , and products of the imagination of the terrorist IPOB/ESN elements and their sympathizers , who aim to undermine the confidence of the people of Imo State and , by extension, the entire south-east region.”
The statement recalled ” that on 3 October 2023, the Local Government Headquarters of Isiala Mbano LGA, built and maintained with public funds, was set ablaze and destroyed by the same IPOB/ESN criminal elements. A similar mindless attempt was made at the Ehime Mbano LGA Secretariat in the late hours of 8 October 2024.
“However, the swift and gallant response of the troops thwarted the criminals’ efforts to breach the LGA Secretariat. The criminal elements, who arrived in large numbers and fired sporadically from a distance, were forced to retreat quickly in the face of the overwhelming firepower of the vigilant troops. During a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of 9 October 2024, it was confirmed that the dissidents had suffered heavy casualties, as evidenced by bloodstains on the Ehime Mbano-Oriagwu road.”
The division asked the public to disregard the false information spread by the online publication, noting that “the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting citizens and critical government infrastructure in Imo State and will continue to deal decisively with any criminal elements attempting to subvert the government. It is disheartening to witness the cowardly actions of these dissidents, who burn down public buildings funded by taxpayers. Clearly, IPOB is not acting in the interest of the people but for selfish purposes.”
The Division, through the statement, encouraged “all residents of Imo State and the South-East region to continue providing security agencies with valuable information to help eliminate these criminal elements. Residents are urged to call the toll-free line 193 and select Option 2 to report suspicious activities. We reassure the good people of the South East that they can continue their daily activities without fear or intimidation from any group. Rest assured, the Nigerian Army will remain vigilant in its duty to protect the nation and its citizens.”