No fewer than three persons were killed on Friday, October 8, as soldiers raided Izombe community in Oguta LGA of Imo State.
Many houses, including the palace of the traditional ruler of the Aborshi-Izombe community, Pius Muforo, were razed, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Although the exact cause of the raid is still sketchy at the time of filing this report, NAN gathered that Izombe, Eziorsu and Osobod communities have been enmeshed in oil bunkering operations.
Speaking on the development, a community leader from Umuokwu village, Mr James Imo, claimed that over 50 houses have been burnt down.
“I was informed that two military men were killed and their vehicle set ablaze after the two military personnel had killed one young man, Chukwunonso Iherue, in Umuokwu-Izombe. The problem arose from a misunderstanding between the youth and soldiers over crude oil bunkering activities,” he said.
He alleged that the angry youth fought back, overpowering the soldiers and as well took away their guns and burnt their vehicle. The military personnel ran to the palace of the traditional ruler for refuge, but the angry youth stormed the palace, brought them out and killed them.
It was gathered that the incident led to a reinforcement of soldiers, who raided the area.
