Enugu Monarchs Condemn Attack on Troops, Back Military Operations

Traditional rulers in Ezeagu have condemned the recent attack on military personnel in Imezi Owa community, describing the incident as unlawful and a threat to peace and security in the area.

The condemnation was contained in a communiqué issued by the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers on 8 May and signed by the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, and the Secretary, Igwe Raphael Okolo.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Headquarters of the 82 Division Nigerian Army said the position of the traditional institution supported an earlier account by the military that troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, successfully repelled an attack by armed men on 6 May in Imezi Owa.

The Army said the traditional rulers expressed “deep concern” over the incident, condemned the attackers, and called for a thorough investigation into the attack.

According to the statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, the council also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the police.

“The communiqué further emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity between traditional institutions, government, and security agencies,” the statement said.

The military commended the traditional rulers for what it described as their “firm stand in support of truth, peace and security”, noting that strong civil-military relations remained important in efforts to tackle insecurity in the South-East.

The division urged residents of Ezeagu and surrounding communities to provide useful information to security agencies and avoid shielding criminal elements.

It also maintained that no life was lost during the attack, adding that injured personnel were receiving medical treatment.

The Army said ongoing operations under Operation EASTERN SANITY would continue to target what it described as terrorist infrastructure in the region in order to sustain peace and security.

“The general public is hereby assured that no life was lost during the incident, injured personnel are receiving the best medical care,” the statement added.

The division further called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, while warning against attempts to spread misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the military.