Several residents of Orlu town in Imo State have been feared dead in a deadly clash between the military and some suspected members of secessionist group, IPOB, several sources have told Peoples Gazette.

A source told the Gazette Monday evening that some IPOB members attacked and killed a soldier, and carted away his corpse and riffle, “which led to soldiers retaliating.”

Several accounts on social media narrated the sad incident with goods and properties wantonly set alight. 

It is immediately unclear to the Gazette which of the parties committed the arson but some footages posted on social media shows the military launching attack on unarmed civilians.

Multiple bodies were seen drooling in blood and appearing lifeless in many of the video clips, but the Gazette could not immediately confirm the number of deaths recorded.

Attempts by the Gazette to get comments from a military spokesperson were not immediately successful.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has condemned the attacks. He said an order has been made to fish out the perpetrators.

Mr. Uzodinma has also imposed a dusk to dawn (6p.m. to 6a.m.) curfew in some local government areas; Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre to restore peace, the Gazette learnt.

IPOB has of recent renewed agitation against Nigerian authorities over what it described as injustice against the Igbo nation.

Its fugitive leader, Nnamdi Kanu has ordered the establishment of ethnic militia, Eastern Security Network to wage war on its targeted enemies and enforce the mandate of Biafra.