BIAFRA: 3 Reported Dead, Scores Injured As Nigerian Army Denies Invading Kanu’s Residence

The Nigerian Army has denied the reports making the round that it invaded the residence of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), killing three people.

IPOB had taken to social media in the early hours of Sunday to report that the Army had laid an ambush on the residence of its leader, Kanu.

They claimed that the military men had tried to forcefully enter the premises of Nnamdi and on failure to do so, had begun firing shots at security officers and unarmed IPOB members around the area.

Sahara Reporters quoted the secessionist group as saying that 3 persons were killed and 20 others severely injured.

Speaking on the incident, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu’s counsel, in a statement, accused the Army of attempting to take his client’s life.

BREAKING: Nigerian Army Reportedly Attacks IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu's Residence. Several Persons Reported Injured. pic.twitter.com/4Fnqjm3rZO
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 10, 2017

He said five members of Kanu’s family were “brutally wounded” during the incident, adding that some were also killed – though he did not specify the number.

Ejiofor said: “Just to alert the world that the Nigeria military personnel under the command of chief of army staff is presently laying a siege on my client (Nnamdi Kanu) country home in Umuahia.”

“They had continued to shot sporadically into the air through which assault, about five of his family members were brutally wounded and some unfortunately killed. There is no doubt that the present deployment of troops to the south-east is to haunt for my client and possibly eliminate him.”

However, the Army denied the story in a statement issued on Sunday by Maj. Oyegoke Gbadamosi, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army.

VIDEO: Nigerian Army share video claiming members of Indigenous People of Biafra attacked and provoked troops by blocking highway pic.twitter.com/mf6lQfhboA
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 10, 2017

The Army said its attention has been drawn to “fictitious news’’ going round especially on the social media that troops have invaded the home of IPOB leader, Kanu and also killed three persons.

“This is far from the truth.

“Rather, it was a group of suspected IPOB militants that blocked the road against troops of 145 Battalion while on show of force along FMC-Word Bank Road in Umuahia town, Abia State at about 6.00-6.30pm, today.

“They insisted that the military vehicles would not pass and started pelting the soldiers with stones and broken bottles.’’

“He explained that in the process, the IPOB militants injured an “innocent Lady civilian passer-by and a soldier, Corporal Kawole Bello’’.

Both the soldier and the innocent female passer-by have been evacuated to the unit’s Medical Inspection Room and are receiving treatment, he said.

“The troops fired warning shots in the air and the hoodlums dispersed. No life was lost.’’

The military called on the public to disregard the rumours and the fictitious photographs of purported victims of attack.

“We would like to use this opportunity to warn mischief makers threatening the peace and security of the country through falsehood.

“Members of the public are please requested to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security outfit.

“You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.’’