The Nigeria Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding an alleged "fierce exchange of fire" that took place Friday night near Ebe Ohafia between soldiers and unidentified attackers.
According to accounts, there was a heavy fire duel between unidentified gunmen and soldiers of the 14 Brigade, which caused panic in the historic town and caused residents to flee their homes out of fear for the unidentified.
According to a different account, the soldiers' occasional home searches and gunfire in the neighborhood caused panic and apprehension.
However, when questioned, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations Lieutenant Innocent Omale denied reports that soldiers were randomly inspecting homes or shooting.
He explained that what happened was that some soldiers were on patrol when some hoodlums saw them and engaged them in exchange for fire.
His words:” Our people were going out on patrol and on their way back these bad boys saw them and started shooting at them”.
On the allegation that soldiers were shooting sporadically, he said:”Are our men mad that they will just start shooting like that?”
The Army Spokesman, however, said the situation had been brought under control.
When asked if there were any casualties, he said there was no casualty on either side.