The Nigerian Army Monday said recent killings, arson and destructions in the South-East were orchestrated and executed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network.
Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this in Abuja Monday while briefing newsmen on the ongoing army exercises across the country.
Nwachukwu said IPOB had engaged in killing of innocent citizens and burning of houses and turned around to accuse army personnel of perpetrating the acts.
Under Exercise Golden Dawn, Nwachukwu said members of IPOB/ESN had recently engaged in arson and wanton destruction of property at Izombe Community of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.
He said the act was perpetrated by one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among the escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5. NAN
He said Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on May 14 during which four of his gang members were neutralized as well as the attack on the same Police Divisional Headquarters on Aug. 13 where three policemen were killed.
He said when troops attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons until he was later neutralised when he engaged the troops with fire from his pistol in a frantic attempt to escape. (NAN)