Despite video evidence, Nigerian Army has denied firing bullets from General Purpose Machine Gun into homes in Mgbowo Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu.
A video of the soldiers gleefully shooting into homes and setting them ablaze trended on social media on Monday.
A second video also showed houses in the community that were burnt down by soldiers during the midnight raid.
But Army said troops of Joint Security Team raided a suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area on 1 November 2021.
ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI, Acting Deputy Director Public Relations of 82 Division said during the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.
“It should be noted that, 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.
“Meanwhile, Investigation into the video is ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved. Any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly. Updates will be communicated when investigation is completed.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public. We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner. Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated”.
