Human rights advocates, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) and the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), have commenced investigations into the reported invasion and burning of houses in Imezi-Owa Community in Ezeagu Local Council of Enugu State last week.

The actions have sparked mixed reactions since they were carried out. A joint statement issued by leaders of Intersociety, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and CLO in the South-East, Aloysius Attah, said a six-man team of investigators had been deployed to Ezeagu since Tuesday, May 12, for a fact-finding mission.

The groups said the investigation would include examining burnt buildings, identifying their owners, and determining the circumstances under which the structures were destroyed, including those responsible, as well as the timing and location of the incidents.

They also said the probe would examine both the remote and immediate causes of the invasion and house burnings, including allegations of possible involvement or instigation by armed groups.

MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on May 8, said it foiled an attack by suspected terrorists of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to the Army, the patrol was part of a follow-up operation targeting suspected collaborators in the community. Troops were reportedly attacked from a building while advancing on foot, and leaving three personnel injured.

The Army stated that despite the attack, its troops maintained operational control of the area and successfully repelled the assailants, while the injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, said in the statement that the injured personnel were receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

He added that during the exchange of fire, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly stored in the building used as a hideout detonated, causing a fire that destroyed the structure.

Subsequent searches reportedly uncovered additional IEDs, improvised grenades, and a shrine allegedly used for ritual activities, which was destroyed to prevent further criminal use.

The Army also said a suspected collaborator was arrested in the area and handed over, along with recovered items, to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

In a separate response, the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers condemned the attack on military personnel in Imezi-Owa community.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, HRH Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, and Secretary, HRH Igwe Dr Raphael Okolo, the council described the incident as unlawful and called for a thorough investigation.

The traditional rulers urged residents to continue supporting the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies, while commending the Enugu State Government for its efforts to safeguard lives and property. They also stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through cooperation between traditional institutions, government, and security agencies.