Cars Burnt As Security Operatives Clash With Gunmen In Imo

There was palpable fear among Imo residents on Tuesday morning as gunmen and security operatives clashed at Mgbidi and Akata in the Oru West Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that heavy shootouts in the areas caused residents to flee their homes and business outlets.

The incident was said to have begun as early as 6 am when the hoodlums allegedly enforced the partial lockdown order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) barricaded the roads, ordering people to go back to their houses.

The development attracted the presence of security men in the area which led to a gun duel. While it had not been confirmed if there was any casualty. It was reported that some cars were burnt during the crossfire.

One of the witnesses said, “Hoodlums and gunmen are engaging each other in a crossfire. Our people, especially those of them at Mgbidi are on the run. Some cars were set ablaze.”

IPOB had on Monday urged people in the South East to pray fervently for peace in the zone, unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, and restoration of a Biafra nation.

Although a statement by the spokesperson for the group, Emma Powerful, did not order a sit-at-home, it urged the people to lock up their shops temporarily during the duration of the prayers and open shortly after.

When contacted, the police spokesperson for the command, Mike Abattam, promised to inquire and get back to our reporter on the issue but yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.