Sporadic gunshots were reported early Tuesday and a home burnt in Umuneke-Nta in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo state after security operatives stormed the community.
Their entry is believed to be in search of a leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, identified as 50-year-old Theddus Ekechukwu, aka Moputu.
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Ekechukwu, whose wife is said to be a police officer, was seen around the community till the evening before the incident.
A witness said the security personnel drove into the community in seven vehicles, including an armoured car.
The eyewitness said that the security operatives wore jackets with police boldly written on their backs. Also, their vehicles were labelled ‘FBI-R’.
The source further explained that the security team arrived the community around 1am and laid siege around Moputu’s house in attempt to arrest him.
“But after the long waiting and searching his house for him, they couldn’t [find] him. Some said he disappeared immediately he sensed danger.
“In anger, around 8 am, the police people set the family house on fire in the presence of his brothers and other family members.
“The fire also destroyed many properties including a big generator, fridge, brand new motorcycle among many others.
“Unfortunately, most of these properties including the house do not belong to Moputu. They belong to his elder brother who only harbours him and his family in it.
“After that, they continually shot in the air while they left the community through Amaraku axis. There is no casualty because I think they are only after Moputu.
Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu said he was yet to be informed about the incident.
