Nigerian Army accuses ESN gunmen of killing two of its soldiers in Enugu State

NIGERIAN Army commanders have accused gunmen suspected of being members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of killing two soldiers in Adani community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Created as the military wing of secessionist group Ipob, the ESN has taken on the responsibility of confronting armed Fulani herdsmen across the southeast geo-political zone. Of late, however, it has been accused of acts of bringandry, including raiding police stations and carting away weapons.

According to the Nigerian Army, the hoodlums attacked its checkpoint at Iggah/Asaba along Nsukka-Adani-Anambra road at about 4.30 am on Tuesday. As a result of the attacks, local youths have started fleeing the community and the army said troops have been deployed to check the activities of criminals in the area.

Army spokesman Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, said: “Nigerian Army troops deployed to check the activities of gunmen at Adani community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, on 13 July 2021, repelled ESN gun attack on troops’ location at Iggah/Asaba checkpoint. Sadly, during the fire fight that ensued, two soldiers paid the supreme price.

“We assure the general public of our commitment to providing adequate security in the general area in collaboration with other security agencies. We also urge members of the public to complement the effort of the security agencies by remaining law-abiding and provide useful information on the fleeing gunmen.”

According to military sources the gun battle left no fewer than six of the hoodlums dead. One source added that the attackers were definitely ESN members.