IPOB Has Buried Explosive Devices Along South-East Routes, 2 Secessionists Wounded By Own Bomb — Nigerian Army
Two members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were injured by an explosive device left on the road, according to the Nigerian Army.
Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, said on Thursday that IPOB/ESN members had buried explosive devices along various routes in the troubled South-East region. He claimed that this was done in order to hurt Nigerian troops.
He said that while attempting to flee an attack by Nigerian forces, the bombs burst, injuring some IPOB members.
IPOB is a secessionist movement led by Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently detained while facing charges of terrorism and other related offenses.
The group seeks the breakaway of the South-East region, and possibly the South-South which is to be known as the Biafra Republic.
According to the army spokesman, the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, along Eke Ututu–Orsu Road in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.
Nwachukwu urged residents to inform troops of possible areas where the explosives have been buried for proper evacuation and disposal.
He said, “The dissidents inadvertently stepped on the IED which they had earlier planted along several routes in Orlu, Orsu Local Government Area, while they were attempting to evade troops’ onslaught against terrorists in the area.
“The outlawed group has severally planted IEDs along troops’ patrol routes in a failed effort to bring harm to the troops.
“We urge all peace-loving people of the South-East to please inform troops of possible areas where these explosives have been buried for proper evacuation and disposal.”
