The Nigerian Army appears to be heading for a showdown with the people of Omueke village in Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The subject of the dispute is a parcel of land that the Nigerian Army claims to have acquired but which it accused the people of Omueke village of encroaching upon.On the other hand, the people of Omueke village are accusing soldiers stationed at the shooting range in Igwuruta of molesting their women, intimidating their people and encroaching on their ancestral land.The aggrieved inhabitants of the community yesterday took their protest to the Paramount Ruler, Chief JOHN EBOM NWORLU.The spokesman for the group said they want the authorities to call the soldiers to order and ensure that justice is served on soldiers accused of raping women in the village.In his response, Chief JOHN EBOM-NWORLU urged the people to continue to conduct themselves peacefully, as he promised to ensure that legal remedies for their complaints.However; when our correspondent, UCHENDU EJOIWHOR contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Two Amphibious Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, Captain LAZURUS ELI, he said the Nigeria army had already issued a statement notifying the community of encroachment on the land acquired by the Army.Captain LAZURU ELI is the spokesman for the Two Amphibious Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt.