There is apprehension in Orlu area of Imo State as a helicopter gunship was seen hovering and firing its weapons at yet to be unidentified objects or sites.
The gunship is obviously conducting airstrikes in Orlu communities with sources saying that the operation started about noon on Thursday.
A source said that the operation may not be unconnected with the military’s resolve to stop the operation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Eastern Security Network (ESN) which have heavy presence in the forests around the area.
About three weeks ago, the ESN operatives had a bloody clash with Nigerian Army from Obinze Brigade headquarters with a helicopter hovering above.
The surfacing of the video and bombardments raised fresh tensions in the communities in the Orlu area and different parts of the Southeast geopolitical zone.
The video came with commentary expressing anger and apprehension as the helicopter hovers above, firing weapons occasionally.
“People’s homes and market places may be affected. We don’t need aircraft in Orlu. They should go and find the stolen school pupils in Niger State,” an angry resident said.
“I have the video. There was an aircraft firing shots possibly in a nearby bush. Very reckless of the Air Force; civilians are all over the place,” another person said.
Efforts to get Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Spokespersons have failed as they are yet to respond to inquiries over the incident.
