Gunmen on Monday afternoon killed a military officer when they attacked some soldiers in Awo Mmamma in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

In reprisal, military men regrouped, invaded the town and allegedly burnt a hotel, cars, houses and shops.

The incident which reportedly happened at Ishieke junction has caused panic in the area.

Many indigenes of the community have fled their homes as soldiers took over the community.

A source said, “Some hoodlums attacked some soldiers at Ishieke junction in Awo Mmamma and killed one of them. They zoomed off towards Ihiala in Anambra state. Later, soldiers invaded the area and caused havoc in the area by setting a hotel, cars, houses and stalls on fire.

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“As we speak, people are taking refuge in bushes. Military men are ravaging our community. It is on fire. There is serious arson here.”

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Micheal Abattam, did not respond to a text message sent to him by our correspondent.

Also, the spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade Command, Obinze, Owerri, Sunday Akuga, did not take several calls made to his mobile number.