Gunshots As IPOB Allegedly Enforces Sit-at-home Order In Ebonyi

Residents of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, have been thrown into palpable tension following the sound of gunshots due to the alleged enforcement of a sit-at-home order by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the State.

It was gathered that commuters, Keke riders and traders were seen scampering for safety on Monday morning.

Reports, according to Vanguard, revealed that IPOB members were seen around the Ebebe market and also at some popular markets, including Ahia-ofu, Kpirikpiri, and the International market in Abakaliki, trying to enforce the illegal directive.

It was learnt that IPOB members were seen around Ebebe market allegedly shooting sporadically, which made passersby start running for safety.

It was gathered that a confirmed number of persons were allegedly killed following the enforcement by IPOB. There were serious confusion in Ahia-Ofu as many were seen running around waterworks road, mbukogbe, Ezza Road, Udensi Street.

It was also gathered that customers, who went to the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for the financial transaction were trapped in the bank for fear of becoming victims.

A resident of Abakaliki who pleaded anonymity while narrating his ordeal said: “I am taking refuge in a hotel now. I went to buy a recharge card opposite the government house when I saw people running helter-skelter.

“People hurriedly parked their things inside their shops while traffic Policemen on duty opposite the government house immediately changed their clothes.

“I drove out of that area following heavy gunshots to Kpirikpiri, where the road is deserted. People have parked their things inside their shops along that old Enugu road.

“If you are still in your houses, remain there untill calm returns.”

Another also said: “Am also taking refuge in a colleague ‘s abode. I ran from site, just before Spera-in-Deo junction, I heard gunshots and people were running for safety. I managed to get to Agwu street from convent road.”

Naija News, however, learnt that security operatives have come around Kpirikpiri to bring peace and order.