×
  • News - South East - Imo
  • Updated: February 18, 2021

Orlu: Residents Refute Reports Of Nigerian Military Bombardment Of City (EXCLUSIVE)

Orlu: Residents Refute Reports Of Nigerian Military Bombardm

Residents of Orlu in Owerri of Southeast Nigeria's Imo State, have refuted online reports that the Nigerian military conducted airstrikes in the town, purportedly in search of the controversial Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Chinwe Nchekwube, a native of Orlu, told AllNews on Thursday that she contacted her elder brother who is a resident of the town, and he debunked the "rumours".

"My brother said it is not true, that it is a rumour online. He said no military is dropping bombs to harm civilians in Orlu town.

"He only said that there was an armed robbery operation two days or so ago," Nchekwube said.

Another local, who does not want to be named for safety concerns also told AllNews the reports of the Nigerian military dropping bombs in Orlu were untrue.

"Nothing is happening in Orlu. It's perfectly fine," she said to AllNews.

Videos began circulating on social media on Thursday morning when some users posted clips showing jets flying over a Nigerian city and sounds of what seemed like gunfire could be heard beneath.

The persons taking the video accused Nigerian security forces of airstrike operation [in Orlu].

ESN, created on December 12, 2020, by Nnamdi Kanu, the diaspora-based leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed group canvassing for the secession of Eastern Nigeria, said it is intent on 'defending the territories of the region from terrorism and extra-judicial killings'.

Since its creation, it has faced aversion from South-East governors, and it has more than once been publicly tackled by Nigerian security operatives.

READ ALSO: Biafra Activist, Nnamdi Kanu Advises Amotekun Concerning Securing South West (ICYMI)

Recall AllNews had reported that the ESN operatives in January were involved in a gun duel with the Nigerian Army. Deaths were recorded.

AllNews reached out to Mohammed Yarima, the director of information of the Nigerian Army to comment on the latest Orlu claim online, but he directed us to Major-General John Enenche, the coordinator of Defence media operations. Efforts to reach General Enenche proved abortive.

How pro-Biafra disinformation machine rolls out fiction as facts

Over 50 years after the civil war ended in Nigeria, the struggle to keep the dream of a separate Biafra state alive continues, including through a relentless disinformation campaign on social media.

Many had telltale signs of disinformation: they were poorly written, almost never attributed sources, and often contained mislabelled or manipulated photos and videos.

Related Topics

Join our Telegram platform to get news update Join Now

0 Comment(s)

See this post in...

Notice

We have selected third parties to use cookies for technical purposes as specified in the Cookie Policy. Use the “Accept All” button to consent or “Customize” button to set your cookie tracking settings