The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports claiming that two soldiers were killed and a military patrol vehicle burnt during a security operation in Oso Edda community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The military described the claims circulating on social media as false, insisting no soldier lost his life during the operation.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Wednesday, the Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Military Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo, said security personnel were deployed to restore order following violence linked to a communal dispute in the area.
According to him, the mission was a joint operation involving the Army, Police, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Chielo explained that security operatives came under attack shortly after deployment, but responded professionally while taking care to avoid civilian casualties because the community is densely populated.
He said the troops acted with restraint and none of the soldiers involved in the operation were killed.
The clarification comes after renewed tension following an attack on Okporojo village in Oso Edda, where several residents were reportedly killed and some victims beheaded.
The Army commander condemned the killings and said efforts were underway to recover the severed heads of those attacked.
He described the violence as tragic, noting that the victims and attackers come from communities with shared roots.
Chielo said many communal crises often stem from long-standing disputes over land ownership, traditional leadership positions and related grievances.
Despite the incident, he stated that Ebonyi remains one of the more peaceful states in the South-East, while stressing the need to prevent reprisals that could worsen the crisis.
He also defended steps taken by the Ebonyi State Government and the State Security Council, saying the measures were necessary to restore calm in the affected communities.
The commander further warned about the growing movement of illegal arms, describing it as a serious security challenge that requires stronger action from both government and citizens.
He added that maintaining security should not be left to authorities alone, urging residents to support efforts to keep their communities safe.
