The Nigerian Army has linked the killings and insecurity in the Southeast to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN.
Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations accused IPOB and ESN of killing innocent people and destroying properties of those believed to be against them.
He pointed out that IPOB carried out those arsons in the Southeast, only to turn around to accuse soldiers of such actions.
He said the act was perpetrated by one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among those who escaped from the Owerri Correctional Centre on April 5.
Nwachukwu disclosed that Iherue escaped arrest with the help of some persons, but was later neutralised when he shot at troops.
“A reinforcement team was deployed to Izombe and the security situation was immediately stabilised, while peace has since returned to the community.
“It was, however, observed on arrival at the community that the criminal gang also burnt own troops van in addition to other public and private property,” he said.