Residents of Soldiers of Okporo, Ihuoma and Amaifeke communities in Orlu Local Government area of Imo State have reportedly fled their homes as soldiers form an army of occupation in the localities.
The occupation came days after the clash between troops and gunmen, also known as bandits that are said to have bases in the area.
The situation, it was gathered, had grounded businesses in the localities.
A resident, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said many residents had taken refuge in bushes amid the rainy season.
The source said, “The soldiers are still in the Amaifeke, Okporo and Ihuoma communities. They are still there and there is panic everywhere. Our people are in fear. Businesses are grounded. Some are in the bush, others are indoors and there are those who managed to leave the communities.
“Our communities are bleeding. Orlu is crying. Our parents are stranded and things are falling apart. The fear of the soldiers is the beginning of wisdom. Our land cries for justice and we believe that God will hear our cries and prayers.”
Only on Sunday, bandits and soldiers had clashed in the areas for several hours, leading to the burning of a brothel, destruction of vehicles and killing of some indigenes of the communities.
One of those who lost their lives, which subsequently caused outrage on the social media, was a musician, Roco Nnadiekwe.
Thirty-eight year-old Nnadiekwe was preparing to shoot a video of his latest single on Monday, before he was shot dead on Sunday.