The Nigerian Army, on Monday, denied reports that it was on a vengeance mission in Abia on account of the alleged killing of six soldiers in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
The Army also said that it was not true that six soldiers were killed in Ohafia LGA last week.
The Army was reacting that some online media reports that the army was on a vengeance mission in Abia State following the death of six soldiers in a clash with Eastern Security Network {ESN} and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra {IPOB} on Saturday.
It was also alleged that residents of Elu, Amangwu and Amaekpu in Ohafia LGA had embarked on a mass exodus out of fear.
However, the Army, in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, on Monday, said the story was false.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to debunk the allegation as a baseless fabrication aimed at not only tarnishing the good image of the Nigerian Army but to create distrust between the public and security agents in the state.
“The true position is that troops carried out routine clearance operations in line with the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens aimed to restore socio-economic activities which were hitherto disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB/ESN elements who attack security agents and government infrastructures.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army working in conjunction with personnel of Nigeria Police and other security agencies leveraging on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to troubled areas and to rid the state of criminal elements.
“Consequently, we wish to reassure the good people of Abia State of the safety of their lives and property and also urge them to continue to report suspicious movements and activities of strange individuals or groups in their vicinity to the nearest security agency for prompt action”, the statement said.
