By Ikenna Ngere

The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations that its personnel invaded churches and dispersed congregations in Umunze, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Reports had circulated, particularly in some media outlets, that Catholic Churches in the area were allegedly stormed by soldiers, causing panic among worshippers.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, responded to these claims on Thursday, clarifying that the military conducted a cordon and search operation in the vicinity, not an invasion of churches as reported.

Nwachukwu explained that troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army were acting on intelligence that indicated assailants, who had previously attacked and killed soldiers, were receiving medical treatment in a house near the church.

“During the operation, the troops evacuated the people who were considered vulnerable if a shootout ensued to avoid collateral damage.

“Basically the cordon and search on the community was to enable the troops to effect the arrest of some accomplices who escaped with gunshot wounds and blood stains from the attack that killed two of our troops.

“Available information indicated that they were receiving treatment within the locality and the cordon was lifted after the search, but unfortunately the suspects had already left the building to which they were traced.

“It is most unfortunate that the operation took place on a Sunday,” Nwachukwu said.

He further clarified that the purpose of the operation was to arrest accomplices who had escaped with gunshot wounds from the earlier attack on the soldiers. Unfortunately, the suspects had already fled the building by the time the troops arrived.

Nwachukwu acknowledged that it was unfortunate the operation took place on a Sunday, but he emphasized that troop deployment in Umunze was necessary due to the rising cases of kidnapping and ransom demands by criminals in the area.

“The troops will continue to ensure the safety of all the citizens,” he added.