Major Churchill Orji
Army confirms killing of Major by IPOB in Imo market operation
Nigeria Army Major who was reportedly killed last Monday by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has now been confirmed, three days after.
Army authorities had earlier refused to comment by way of confirmation or rebuttal on the incident, just as social media platforms were awash with tributes to the slain officer, identified as Major Churchill Orji by friends and families.
However, a statement released by the Army authorities, Wednesday, said the senior officer died from injuries sustained in Imo while on an operation to clear terrorists at the popular Ekeotutu Market Square, in the state.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a terrorist attack at Ekeotutu Market Square, in Imo State.
“The foiled attack, launched by terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), came after explosions rocked the market square, it was gathered.
“Some IPOB terrorists, after their attack on the Imo market, mounted a fresh road block at Ekeotutu community.
“But our troops who were deployed for a combat operation at the market square discovered more freshly-buried mines, dynamite and other explosive devices planted on the community road.
“Hence, they disembarked from their military vehicles, and engaged the IPOB elements in a gun battle.
“Though they succeeded in chasing away the terrorists, an officer sustained a fatal head wound while trying to clear a dynamite planted on the road.
“We just learnt, not too long ago, that he passed on this evening. But two of our soldiers who were also injured are currently receiving treatment,” the military disclosed in the statement.
Earlier Monday, reports had claimed that officer was killed in Azia axis, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
A news medium, TheRazor, quoted a schoolmate of the deceased, Leonard Edu, to have confirmed the killing of the deceased.
Edu said: “He was my senior in Agulu Boys Secondary School; our labour prefect then. It’s true he was killed by unknown gunmen at Azia, in Ihiala.”
It also reported a tribute by another officer who wrote, “Rest in peace my brother from Nneogidi village, Agulu, Major Churchil Orji killed yesterday( Sunday) at Azia/ukpor defending the South-East from the marauders.”
Again, another source said, “An Anambra indigene Major C Orji was killed in Ihiala/Azia axis by unknown gunmen. Father (God), we are at your mercy in Anambra State. May the soul of Major C Orji rest in peace.”
