Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Many people were reportedly killed and scores missing as soldiers, again, raided Amangwu community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
Ohafia has been in the news of late over confrontations between some youths and the army.
About two months ago, a confrontation between soldiers and unknown gunmen claimed the life of a young lady who was reportedly killed by stray bullets.
In the current scenario, scores of locals were reportedly arrested and many of them yet to be seen.
The community has been reportedly deserted as locals fled to different locations abandoning their homes just to stay out of trouble.
According to reports, the invasion was in the aftermath of an alleged abduction of a yet-to-be identified soldier said to be ” on pass in the area.”
The soldier “on pass,” according to reports, was said to be on leave, and visited his village in nearby Ikwun in Cross Rivers State but got missing at the border between Amuma Ohafia and Amangwu.
Reports said that troops from the 14 Brigade were deployed for a rescue operation of the missing soldier.
When contacted, a military source which pleaded not to be quoted, confirmed that there was a military operation at the community in search of the missing soldier, and against criminal elements who had allegedly taken over the area.
The source denied the killing of locals and destruction of houses by the Army. It explained that only shrines used by the criminals were destroyed.
“There is an ongoing operation in search of the missing soldier in Amangwu general area.
“Only shrines belonging to the criminals in enclaves were affected.
“The Nigerian Army is a professional army that respects law abiding citizens and to fish out those with criminal intent disrupting the peace loving people of Ohafia and environs.
“We must fish out the criminals in our immediate society for peace to reign.”
Continuing the source said: “But the criminalities being executed in the criminals enclaves are irrelevant?
“Human skulls in different shrines? Mini Barracks in the bushes by these criminals?
“Missing innocent souls is (sic) of no concern? The Nigerian Army must fish out souls (sic) criminals in our society.”
Meanwhile, tension has continued to build around Ohafia town as locals now live in apprehension.
