Eastern Security Network [ESN] members on Monday clashed with soldiers in Orlu town, Imo State southeast Nigeria which has lead to death and injuries, according to reports.
Imo State, Govnor Hope Uzodinma has ordered a 6am to 6pm movement restriction order (curfew) in all local governments around the area.
The dusk to dawn curfew affects the following areas: Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.
This comes after videos of the shootout between the ESN and security operatives started trending on Monday.
Governor Uzodinma has said in a statement that things are now under control in Orlu as security operatives have been deployed to the area on 24 hour watch.
According to a report by BBC, some eyewitnesses claimed that the shootout was between IPOB and the military while others said the men in uniform were unknown.
Governor Hope Uzodinma has said the curfew was put in place in the meantime to restore peace as soon as possible to the community.
The Governor has also directed security agencies to fish out the people who were behind the violence. He also advised all law abiding citizens to comply with the curfew as heavy security has been deployed to the affected areas.
Videos of security agents exchanging gunfire with unidentified persons, trending on social media have come as a warning for people to avoid Orlu zone in Imo State due to the shootings.
It was gathered that the soldiers who were in military operation in the area stormed the community suspected to be operational base of the IPOB newly formed Eastern Security Network [ESN].
The Eastern Security Network is the security outfit which was formed by the disbanded Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu to provide internal security against herders invasion of farmlands in the Igbo speaking south-eastern region of Nigeria.
About five buildings including a church, Blessed Holy Trinity Sabbath Mission, in Orlu Local Government Area have been burnt down due to the crisis. Many were also reported to be wounded during the shootout.
BBC Pidgin also received reports of shooting at Bank Road, Orlu on Monday 25 January, 2021. Tensions are high in the community, as fear of reprisal attacks simmers through the minds of residents.
