Troops of Nigerian Army have gunned down Chukwunonso Iherue, identified as one of the convicts who escaped from the Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State in April.
According to the Nigerian Army, at least two soldiers also lost their lives during a melee between the troops and gunmen terrorising Izombe Community area of Imo State.
Spokesman of Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while addressing journalists at Army headquarters.
Nwachukwu explained that it is on record that late Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on 14 May 2021 where four of his gang members were neutralised.
He noted that when the troops attempted to arrest and hand him over to appropriate authorities but he escaped with the help of some people, adding that since, security operatives have been on his trail.
He said, ”At about 9 am on Friday 8 October 2021, troops of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector B received a distress call regarding the criminal activities of one Chukwunonso Iherue, a convict who was among the escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre on of 5 April 2021.
”Iherue was armed with a pistol and was threatening, intimidating and inciting persons in the Izombe community to support the proscribed IPOB terrorists group.
”Gentlemen of the Press, it is on record that late Chukwunonso Iherue masterminded the attack on Izombe Divisional Police Headquarters on 14 May 2021, during which four of his gang members were neutralized.
”Similarly, he masterminded the attack on the same Police Divisional Headquarters on 13 Aug 2021 where 3 policemen paid the supreme price.
”Again on the 1st October 2021, Iherue and his gang members were seen parading Izombe Community, flying the Biafra insignia while threatening and instilling fear in the people, thereby creating tension in the community.
”When troops attempted to arrest him, he escaped with the help of some persons. Since then, troops have kept a close watch and have been on his trail.
”On receipt of the distress call, troops deployed to the scene and attempted to apprehend the suspect.
”The criminal was neutralized as he engaged the troops with fire from his pistol in a frantic attempt to escape.
”Youths in the community then mobilized a large number of suspected IPOB members armed with automatic weapons, and bearing IPOB insignia.
”The group opened fire on own troops, killing two soldiers in the process. In an effort to avoid civilian casualty and collateral damage in the community, troops tactically withdrew from the area.
”Unfortunately, the suspected IPOB members ran amok, setting ablaze houses and other properties belonging to those perceived to be against them.
”Consequently, a reinforcement team was deployed to Izombe and the security situation was immediately stabilized, 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 Hilux van in addition to other public and private properties.”
