SocialMediaTrends: Nigerian Army’s clash with IPOB’s security outfit in Orlu & more

Social Media users in Nigeria harnessed online platforms on Monday to speak to power especially on matters bordering on the country’s security challenges.

The following trends thrived with the most engagements across social platforms.

Orlu, Imo State

Residents of Orlu in Imo have reported a state of unrest in the South-Eastern region that has led to loss of lives and properties, following violent clashes between security forces and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) set up by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to video footages shared by eyewitnesses on social media, security personnel who invaded the town could be seen shooting sporadically while bodies littered the streets.

Although, the nature of the incident is unknown, speculations are that the situation was a planned reprisal attack by the Nigerian military deployed from the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, after a clash between ESN corps and the military had resulted in deaths.

The group had released a video which went viral last week, boasting that they had confronted and dislodged some security men who attacked them and displayed the vehicles the military had abandoned while escaping.

Social Media users have called on the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, to respond to the situation and call the military to order.

The governor has however declared a dusk to dawn curfew in nine local government areas of the state, and has ordered the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

Nigerians reacted thus:

We are getting reliable information that Nigeria military currently are in Orlu Imo State killing unarmed innocent people and burning their properties. Over 10 houses has been set ablaze by Nigeria military as I type. South East is the most peaceful part in recent time.

— Emeka Gift (@EmekaGift) January 25, 2021

If the way this administration respond to anything Biafra is the way the respond to herdsmen and governance, we wouldn't be were we are now.

— Mazi Nwaejike Obinna victor ? (@VictorNwaejike) January 25, 2021

pic.twitter.com/IDLjV9OEUA

— iNonso✝️ (@Nonsoeldrix) January 25, 2021

You see how double Stranded the NIGERIA Military can be!
What's the military doing at Orlu IMO state? A Peaceful Place without communal Crisis or riots of any Kind.@Hope_Uzodimma1 @emmanueliwuanya @ImostateGov this development Should be stopped NOW. #RevolutionNow #Bitcoin pic.twitter.com/a60DBLhxqI

— Père de l'Afrique ?????????? (@PapaAfrik) January 25, 2021

What is the Nigerian Army doing in alaigbo fgs??!! ?. They're always looking for the slightest opportunity to flood the south east. Orlu is not sambisa bikonu. The Army should gather en masse at Oyo and Ondo respectively to checkmate the Herders. Why this madness kwanu?

— Austino MonteChristo (@AustinoCadence) January 25, 2021

Pray for Orlu this is becoming bloody ??? #Lampard #Havertz pic.twitter.com/7tex9kYSM6

— championwears (@ObisonO) January 25, 2021

Read Also: SocialMediaTrends: Prof. Jega’s shots at Buhari govt, Adamu Garba’s surprise take on herdsmen

Fayemi

Twitter users are dragging Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, for insisting that herdsmen could not leave Ondo State in line with a seven-days ultimatum provided by the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu last week for herders to vacate forest reserves due to increase in criminal activities carried out in the bushes.

Fayemi had in a meeting on Monday with the national leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and a few state governors at Akure, noted that herders were not asked to vacate the state, but should be properly licensed to operate in the forest reserves adding that the Fulanis were welcomed to stay as the South-West was their home.

“This is your home. You’ve lived here, married and done business with us. Nobody is going anywhere. The statement by the Ondo State Government had no eviction reference. Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves, and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law,” Fayemi said.

“What we are after is the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen, criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group,” he added

Nigerians reacted to the statement:

Lol…. He's inviting them with careless statements

— Wolfgang (@Rickysleeze) January 25, 2021

These guys are ready to sacrifice the whole of the Yoruba race on the altar of personal ambition.

— Olumide Kembi (@Olumidekem) January 25, 2021

Let the herders relocate to Ekiti, since Fayemi has decided to be unfortunate

— Baba 'Fikayo (@oyedeji__) January 25, 2021

Tomide you can call him by his name please….. he is Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State. He is a Traitor.

— Shina Balogun (@Govshina) January 25, 2021

I would really love to see that face off between Fayemi & Akeredolu ??

— Sulaimon Adenuga ??? (@prince_kay1) January 25, 2021

Now that Fáyẹmí has told the Fulanis that Yorùbáland is their home because of 2023, I hope Ọ̀gá Àdán won't try to outdo him by saying Fulbes were the long lost sons of Odùduwà.

?

— Ọládayọ̀ Ọlájídé (@MisitaDayo) January 25, 2021

…By Okiemute Abraham

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