Tension in Orlu, Imo State as ESN clashes with soldiers

Tension has heightened in Orlu, Imo State as soldiers and personnel of the Eastern Security Network clashed on Monday.

Crises started in the Local Government Area last week following the invasion of the area by soldiers allegedly retaliating the killing of security agents by suspected ESN operatives.

The soldiers had raided Okporo and other neighbouring communities on Friday morning, arresting an unspecified number of people while a tricycle operator was also killed.

The soldiers, however, returned on Monday as Operatives of ESN engaged them in a gun duel.

Scores were reportedly killed while shops and businesses were destroyed.

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Sources said an Hausa quarters behind the Orlu stadium was attacked while one person was shot dead in the area. The circumstances surrounding his death was not immediately clear.

Orlu is on fire now pic.twitter.com/M3mYhVIrbv

— Amaka Daisy (@AmakaDaisy1) January 25, 2021

It was also gathered that goods belonging to the Hausa traders were burnt during the clash.

A live video which trended on the internet showed residents of the Hausa quarters moving their belongings to other areas.

Another video showed soldier moving into Orlu streets in war-like formation.