A soldier has been murdered in Etekuru, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

It was gathered that the soldier was ambushed and killed while his rifle was stolen.

In a reprisal, soldiers invaded the community and burnt houses.

The incident came two weeks after soldiers razed down houses in Izombe in the Oguta Local Government Area of the state following the killing of two soldiers.

The chaos in Orsu Ihitte Ukwa started after Tuesday’s killing of two traditional rulers in neighbouring Okwudor.

The tension snowballed into clashes between some youth and security operatives as the community observed the sit-at-home ordered by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB) following Thursday’s arraignment of their leader, Nnsmdi Kanu.

Soldiers were alleged to have gone round the town burning shops, houses and property of the villagers.

The casualty figures could not be ascertained but the town has been deserted as many have fled their homes.

Efforts to get the reaction of Army Public Relations Officer, Capt. Joseph Akubo, were in vain as his line was out of reach when our correspondent tried to reach him.

Meanwhile, roads and streets in Owerri, the state capital, were virtually empty as residents observed what has been described as the “mother of all sit-at-home,” on Thursday.

Apart from the weekly Monday order which has grounded all social and economic activities in the South East region, Thursday’s action was ordered by the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, their leader, who was arraigned in court in continuation of his treason trial

A drive round the city revealed that no shop was opened while few commercial vehicles that dared operate on other sit-at-home days, stayed away completely.

What was noticeable however some Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) which were patrolling the streets.

One of the APCs was visibly stationed in front of the Government House, with fully armed anti riot personnel on guard.

Soldiers at checkpoints frisked the few people that came out, while they were asked to raise their hands through the checkpoint.

Motorcyclists were also ordered to come down and push their bikes through the highly guarded checkpoints.

(Daily Trust)

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