A former presidential candidate Kingsley Moghalu has questioned the operation of the military in Orlu, Imo State, Igbere TV reports.
Soldiers invaded Orlu on Monday and engaged a group believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network of the Indigenous People of Biafra in a duel, sending residents scampering for safety.
The incident forced Governor Hope Uzodimma to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in 12 local government areas of Imo West Senatorial District.
Tweeting on Wednesday, Moghalu said the presence of the military in a police matter should be questioned.
He said: “I regret the deaths of Nigerians in Orlu reportedly resulting initially from clashes between Nigerian soldiers and civilians. @Govhopeuzodinma has imposed a curfew to restore order, but the situation raises important questions about military occupation
“Of civilian spaces in Nigeria. Why is the military involved in Orlu and not @PoliceNG?”
Four soldiers were reported killed in the incident.
The number of casualties from the group remained disputed.
