ESN vs Military: calm returns to Orlu

By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri

Calm returned to the Orlu and Orsu local government areas of Imo State, a day after the army invaded the forest to destroy the Eastern Security Network, ESN, camps in the regions.

When Vanguard called residents of the affected areas yesterday around 3:45 p.m. yesterday, they confirmed that businesses and vehicle trips had all started up in full swing.

According to one of those who spoke to Vanguard, a motorcyclist, who mentioned his name, Uchechukwu Amadi, said: “Nothing is happening yet, we are all going about our activities. The soldiers went to the forest and after their operation we never saw them again.

“You can see the banana junction wherever it’s quiet and people go to and from the market. You can see buses from Orlu to Owerri. People move freely. “

He continued: “What I want to implore is that the government agrees with the eastern security network of Biafra. We don’t want that tension here anymore.

Commenting on the incident, the IMO State Government through State Information Commissioner Declan Emelumba said: “The attention of the IMO State Government has was drawn to malicious rumors circulating that the security situation in Orlu and its surroundings has worsened.

“The authors of this account went even further by imputing that the security forces were sporadically shooting and arresting innocent citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no truth in these stories. In fact, the situation in Orlu has since been brought under control. There is absolute peace and quiet in the city as people go about their normal duties.

“The government is aware that the elements of the opposition which triggered the crisis for selfish reasons are not happy that the government has quickly stopped the situation, hence the rumors.”

“The government assures all law-abiding Nigerians living in Orlu or passing through the city that the city is completely safe. He should therefore go about his legal business without any concessions.

“Regardless of the level of provocation, the IMO state government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma will continue to fulfill its primary duty of protecting life and property,” Emelumba said.

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