Delta: Alleged Army invasion sparks fear, anguish in Orere community

The residents of Orere community in Ewu kingdom, Delta State, are alarmed by the Nigerian Army's alleged invasion and mistreatment during a search operation for weapons and fleeing individuals from Okuama community.

AllNews.NG gathered from locals that five military Gun Boats entered into the community through the water ways, while four army Hilux pick ups came through the Ewu axis weekend.

According to witnesses, including a local boat transporter named Mr. Adjoka Morrison, the army's arrival involved gunfire, with soldiers forcibly taking individuals like Morrison across the river, subjecting them to physical abuse.

"I was at the river side preparing for my daily business when I saw the Nigerian Army with five gun boats and four Hilux loaded with soldiers.

“They held and bundled me into one of the gun boats and took me to the other river bank of the community, and as they were taking me into the community, they were shooting sporadically, they messed up so many of us, one the army punched my right eye.

Orere's community Chairman, Mr. Michael Edameneri, described how the army interrogated residents, accusing them of harboring weapons and refugees, despite denials.

The ordeal included physical violence, property destruction, and desecration of cultural sites. Orere's Vigilante unit Chairman, Mr. Udoji Sylvester, recounted soldiers seizing local guns and assaulting residents, including himself.

President General Dennis Edafeamredje highlighted the community's fear and trauma, emphasizing their innocence in the events surrounding Okuama and urging authorities to cease further aggression.

Residents appeal to the government for intervention, emphasizing Orere's peaceful nature and innocence in the matter, demanding the return of confiscated items and assurance against future incursions, which have left their community in distress.