The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted claims of conducting an airstrike in the Mbosi community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, following allegations that a military helicopter’s cannon explosion killed three children and injured one person. Residents initially attributed the blast to military activity, prompting NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame to clarify that no operations were carried out in the area.
Contrary to the community’s initial suspicions, Azuka Innocent Okolie, President General of Mbosi, dismissed military involvement in a social media statement, instead accusing the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of responsibility. “The military didn’t fire a single bullet that day. This explosion was caused by ESN, which has planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in our community,” Okolie asserted, referencing similar incidents in neighboring areas like Isseke.
Okolie emphasized that military operations require strict command approval, ruling out unauthorized strikes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, warning of ongoing threats from planted explosives along rural paths and residential zones. Authorities continue to investigate the explosion as the community mourns the tragic loss of life.
