No less than 15 houses, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Aborshi Izombe Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo, have been razed by rampaging soldiers of the Nigerian army.
At least four persons were also killed during the raid that lasted for hours.
The rampaging soldiers were on reprisal over the killing of two of their colleagues by youths in the area.
Community sources told Standardobservers that youths protesting the killing of an alleged oil bunkerer identified as Chukwunoso Iherue by soldiers killed two of soldiers and set their patrol van ablaze.
According to them, the clash followed a misunderstanding between the youths and soldiers over crude oil bunkering.
It was gathered that Izombe, Eziorsu, Osobod communities in Oguta have become notorious for bunkering operation lately.
Sources said civilians and security men are all involved in the illegal business.
Community sources said that following the misunderstanding, soldiers were said to have killed one Chukwunoso Iherue before the youths fought back leading to the military personnel storming the palace of HRH Eze Pius Muforo of Aborshi Izombe Community, where they were attacked.
It was gathered that the soldiers attacked the community in 18 Hilux vans carrying petrol and three war tankers set the palace of HRH Eze Muforo and two others now in Umuokwu Izombe ablaze.
Twelve other houses including that of Chief C A Onyeukwu’s buildings were also burnt.
