Residents Flee As Soldiers On Revenge Mission Burn Shops, Hotel, Filling Station In Imo Community

Fear has gripped residents of Awo Mmamma community in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State after some soldiers allegedly torched some shops, a hotel and filling station, amongst others, while avenging the alleged killing of their colleague in the community.

It was learnt that the incident took place on Monday afternoon.

A source told THE WHISTLER that the soldiers were engaged in a gun duel with unknown gunmen at Isieke junction in Awo Mmamma, leading to the death of a soldier.

The army, according to the source, reinforced and burnt down several shops, houses, cars, a fuel station and a hotel.

“Unknown gunmen killed a soldier and the army people came back and started burning shops, houses, cars, and a fuel station is on fire too.

“Many people are running out of town now as we speak.”

The Imo police command’s spokesperson, Michael Abattam, declined THE WHISTLER’s request for comment on the incident.

“I speak for the police and not the soldiers so get the PRO of the soldiers to speak on the issue,” Abattam told our correspondent.