Orlu: Residents desert communities over military operations

The ongoing military operation in search of the camps of the members of the Eastern Security Network, has created panic in Orlu, Njaba and Orsu Local Government Areas of the state, which has resulted in most villagers deserting their residences.

This is even as the President of Alaigbo development Foundation, Prof Uzodimma Nwala has described the situation as unfortunate saying that it is difficult to really know the true situation on ground.

An Indigene of Uda Orsuihiteukwa in the Orsu LGA that has common boundaries with Anambra state told said though no indigene was shot by the soldiers but that the military operation was causing serious panic in the area and that most villagers out of fear have already deserted their homes to avoid falling victims as it was in Odi.

He said “Situation now is relatively calm in Udah, Orsuihiteukwa. Military helicopters have just left my area a while ago after the surveilance mission. All security Hilux vans have left Udah community for their respective bases.

“Civilians were not in any way harassed in the exercise. No casualties. The invasion may have been warranted by intelligence reports. But the situation has caused a serious panic in the community and as a result most villagers have already deserted their homes for fear of falling victims as it happened in Odi,Bayelsa some years back. What has even heightened the fears of the people is that there was no information from the state government that it was going to develop soldiers to the area. ”

Adding, “The leaders and office officers from Orlu zone should address this security instability in our zone now. This is not healthy for the progress and advancement of the biggest Senatorial Zone in Nigeria.”

An indigene of Umunam Atta Community in Njaba council area, Andrew Ibe, said, “The truth of the matter is that the soldiers are not beating anyone. But our concern here is that there may be shooting any moment since their helicopter is hovering over our houses.

“Again, they arrested one of our respected indigenes who is a priest in the Sabbath Church here. Since Saturday, when he was arrested, nobody has told us why that is so”.