According to eyewitnesses' reports, the clash erupted in the Aba branch area when an armed group launched a surprise attack on soldiers stationed in the region.
Dozens of people have reportedly been feared dead while several others were injured in a violent confrontation between soldiers and gunmen in some communities in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to eyewitnesses' reports, the clash erupted in the Aba branch area when an armed group launched a surprise attack on soldiers stationed in the region.
Several soldiers were reportedly shot during the ambush, triggering a fierce gunfight that turned the area into a war zone.
A resident, speaking anonymously, described the tense situation: "Some non-state actors attacked and killed soldiers in the area yesterday. The whole place is on fire, and troops have taken over nearby communities."
As the violence escalated, residents fled their homes in panic, seeking refuge in safer areas. "We are terrified," another resident said.
"The sound of gunfire is still echoing in our ears. We don’t know what will happen next. Ehime used to be a peaceful environment; now we don’t know what is happening."
However, military forces have since taken control of the affected areas, though the situation remains volatile.
It was gathered that many families remain displaced, anxiously awaiting the return of peace to their community.
When SaharaReporters contacted the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Okoye Henry, he said, "Please call the army spokesperson. He's the one to give you more details."
Efforts by SaharaReporters to confirm the incident from the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to him.