Soldiers excorting Hausas to safety after killing IPOB members? A video has emerged in which the army was accused of providing security to members of the Hausa community after riot broke out in Rivers state

- The riot is said to be a confrontation between the army and IPOB members

- Several properties are said to have been destroyed in the process

The army has been accused of escorting members of the Hausa community to safety in Rivers state after allegedly killing IPOB members in Abia state.

This follows the clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and officers of Nigerian army in Rivers state on Tuesday, September 12.

An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Frank, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident left many injured from both sides.

He said the incident started when the suspected members of IPOB gathered at Timber Junction awaiting other members to join a procession to Aba, Abia.

“Thereafter, soldiers rounded up the IPOB members using force to disperse the gathering and leaving many IPOB members injured.

“A deadly confrontation immediately ensued between IPOB members and soldiers and ultimately led to some members venting their anger on the Hausa community in the area,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Ibiere Tamuno, said that several properties were destroyed during the clash.

According to her, the clash began around 1 p.m. and lasted few hours before the intervention of the army, police and other security agencies.

NAN learnt that Oyibo section of the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway was shut down with human and vehicular movement restricted.

The army speaking on the issue:
Col. Aminu Illiyasu, the Spokesman for 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, confirmed the clash and added that troops were deployed to restore law and order in the area.

“We learnt that some IPOB members disturbed the peace by attacking the Hausa community and threatening to burn down a mosque in Oyibo local government area in Rivers.

According to report, the attack was carried out on Tuesday, September 12.