Unidentified gunmen have returned to Umuchima village in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State, where they killed a local man accused of informing the Army about their presence in the community.
The Nigerian Army had announced on Tuesday that troops from the Joint Task Force, South East Operation, known as Operation Udo Ka, had destroyed a camp in Umuchima.
After the alleged informant’s killing, several villagers fled their homes in fear, seeking refuge in nearby communities, and stated they would return once the situation calmed down.
The villagers who fled, taking only a few of their essential belongings, said they didn’t want to become innocent victims.
One of them told our correspondent, “The fear is real. They came to the village like commandos and killed a local man they accused of being an informant.”
As reported by a reporter a few days ago, Nigerian Army personnel from the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, clashed with unidentified gunmen in Umuchima village.
More than 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at the village around 6 a.m., targeting suspected gunmen.
The gunmen were reportedly stationed near a river that separates Abia from the Mbaise area of Imo State.
This development comes as the Abia State Government and security agencies have pledged to eliminate the gunmen causing havoc in the state.
Since launching their attacks, the gunmen have killed numerous security personnel.
