Residents in and around Osumoghu community in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State express fear following recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). NAF had announced that it bombed camps and armouries of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the area, citing credible intelligence reports of planned attacks by suspected IPOB fighters.
Residents, however, are reportedly fleeing their homes, anticipating reprisal attacks by dislodged individuals in the forests around the communities. Roads in the area appear deserted, and shops and markets are mostly closed, indicating a heightened sense of tension.
While NAF asserts that the airstrikes targeted IPOB camps, the group denies having any presence in the said locations. IPOB accuses the military of bombing innocent civilians in the communities. The situation raises concerns about the impact on the local population, security, and the ongoing tensions in the region.
Efforts to obtain official responses from local authorities faced challenges as calls and messages to the Transitional Chairman of the Nnewi South LGA went unanswered. An official from the council emphasized that residents should not panic, emphasizing that the airstrikes targeted criminals disturbing the peace of the community.
