The Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Imo State, Augustine Ukwuoma, has condemned the killing of some residents on Saturday in two South-east communities by Nigerian troops.
Bishop Ukwuoma, in a statement he issued on Monday, also decried the burning of a market in one of the communities by the troops.
According to reports, the troops invaded Orsu-Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State and Orsumugho, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and allegedly killed two persons and razed several shops.
It was said that the troops invaded the communities at about 4 a.m. with many combatant vans, armoured tankers and military helicopters.
Residents said the troops fired shots and detonated bombs, while the helicopters hovered over the communities.
The troops carried out the operation in collaboration with members of Ebubeagu, a security outfit backed by the Imo State Government.
The Catholic bishop said he has, at several times, condemned such wasting of human lives in the area, noting that human life is sacred and should be respected.
He expressed his sincere condolences to all families who lost loved ones during the painful incident.
He said that the burning down of Eke-Ututu Market has added another sad dimension to the existing bad situation as the burning down of this market has negatively touched the very core of the existence of these people who may be changed to a life of misery given the present economic strangulation the country is in.
He equally appealed to government authorities to investigate this incident and take necessary steps to prevent reoccurrence.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no comment from the military on the incident.
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