There was pandemonium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, yesterday, as gunmen invaded Ishieke and Ukwuachi suburbs of the city, shooting sporadically into the air to disperse traders at a market in the area.
The Guardian gathered that the gunmen, believed to be enforcing the seven days sit-at-home, declared by Simon Ekpa’s group, stormed the market. It was learnt that one police van and two motorcycles were set ablaze by the gunmen, who were shouting that they will continue to terrorise the people until the sit-at-home period elapses.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, said that the gunmen operated in an open roof vehicle and two motorcycles, wielding various high calibre guns, which resulted in people scampering for safety.
According to the source, the gunmen were warning traders to go home immediately for their own good. However, the news of the incident filtered into town, leading to shops and businesses in parts of the state shutting down temporarily.
Police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said the police have been deployed to affected areas to maintain peace, noting that they are on the trail of the criminals and would soon be arrested. She urged people to go about their normal businesses, as security had been beefed up across the state.
