Members of the faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Simon Ekpa, have reportedly stormed communities in Ebonyi State, to forcefully enforce the seven-day sit-at-home.
NIGERIACRIME gathered that the hoodlums, who have continued to wreak havoc in the state, set ablaze a police van at Ukwagba village and shot sporadically to scare citizens.
They were said to have stormed the Ukwagba police checkpoint and told officers to vacate, that they are not looking for them, then set the police van ablaze.
Also, the armed hoodlums stormed Ishieke police checkpoint and shot sporadically, which according to reports, caused police officers in the area to run for their lives.
It was also gathered that the gunmen attacked Afiaohu market located along Abakaliki/Enugu Express and allegedly shot into the air to scare business owners in the market who reported fled, leaving their wares behind.
According to the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Prince Odono Okechukwu, who confirmed the incident, there is a need for all stakeholders of the council to come together to chase out criminal elements in the area.
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The chairman who spoke to newsmen shortly after a security meeting at 135 Izhiangbo, the Council Headquarters, condemned the attacks in totality
Okechukwu pledged that no stones will be left unturned to bring the perpetrators to book, while also appealing that Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents and community vigilantes establish a functional rapport to promote peace in their areas.
The Commissioner of Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi, Jude Chikadibia Okpor expressed dismay over the apprehension in some parts of the state following reported activities of hoodlums and unscrupulous elements.
He said, “The government, therefore wishes to advise the general public to go about their lawful businesses as security agents are on top of the situation.”
When contacted for a reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi State Command, SP. Onome Onovwakpoyeya said the command had stationed officers in many strategic places in the state to forestall any breakdown of laws and order.