The Nigerian Army has refuted claims that its personnel invaded a worship centre at Umunze in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra, dispersing the congregation.
The Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Thursday revealed that although the alleged invasion created panic, its personnel were only on a cordon and search operations.
He noted that the Operation by the 82 Division Nigerian Army followed intelligence that those who allegedly attacked and killed its troops were sighted receiving medical treatment in a residence close to the affected church.
The statement read, “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 effect 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,” he said.
Deploying the troops to the area, according to the Army, was important due to the increased cases of kidnapping and ransom collection by criminals in Umunze, assuring the community of its commitment to ensuring their safety.