Sit-at-home Order: Soldiers, Gunmen Exchange Gunfire In Imo

There was pandemonium in Mgbidi and Akata communities in the Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State following a clash between troops of the Nigerian Army and some unknown gunmen.

It was gathered that the gun battle started as early as 6am on Tuesday when the gunmen were allegedly enforcing the sit-at-home order of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The gunmen were said to have barricaded the roads, ordered residents to return to their homes and observed the lockdown order.

However, troops of the Nigerian Army were called in and engaged the gunmen in a shoot out which led to residents scampering for safety.

As of the time of this report, it is not clear if there was any casualty on both sides.

This follows the statement by IPOB released on Monday, asking residents of the South-East to temporarily close their shops for a prayer for the region.

The outlawed group also asked its supporters and residents of the region to pray for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, and the restoration of a Biafra nation.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, and signed by the Head of Directorate of Service (DOS), Chika Edoziem, IPOB insisted that the call for prayers is not a call for a sit-at-home in the South East.

The statement read in part: “The prayers will be all over the world where all Biafrans reside.

“There is no sit-at-home because we understand that DSS agents masquerading as our members are now telling people that IPOB will use that day as sit-at-home, no we did not say so and will not, but our people will close their shops after the prayers they open their shops.”