Following the reported pandemonium and attacks in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital on Monday 12th December, 2022 over an alleged invasion of unknown gunmen in the State to enforce the sit-at-home order by a faction of IPOB led by one Simon Ekpa.
Ebonyi State Governor Engr David Nweze Umahi has, in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, ordered the security operatives in the State to shoot at sight any civilian seen holding guns.
The Governor, in a special announcement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and State orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji, called on civil servants, traders and residents of the State to go back to their businesses and normal activities.
He assured them that all security measures has been put in place to secure lives and properties.
Also in reaction to the issue, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State command, CP. Aliyu Garba, who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki, said there was no invasion of the State by unknown gun men.
He therefore asked the citizens of the State to remain calm and go about their normal business.
CP. Garba, also noted that he had deployed hundreds of police officers to go on patrol, looking for the said unknown gunmen.
According to our Reporters, Abakaliki the State capital was fully deserted as citizens scampered for safety, while thousands of traders who already opened their shops for businesses, abruptly closed for fear of being killed.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Chidebere, said the unknown gunmen invaded Ahia-Ohuru Market and started shooting sporadically to scare people away.
In his words, “People who were around saw the unknown gunmen who rode on two motorcycles, with guns. They were shooting anyhow to scare people away. They even burnt down a shop belonging to a woman. They saw the woman bringing out her goods outside, they met her and told her to close the shop.
“The woman was asking them, what offense did she commit? Before you knew it, they poured fuel on the shop and set it ablaze. They were four in number.”
It was also gathered that the popular Ebonyi International Market was abruptly closed, as well as all fuel stations in the State capital, shopping mall and other event centres in the State.
A similar report alleged that gunmen reportedly attacked some places and persons at Izziamgbo junction, Ishieke junction and other parts of Ebonyi State. As at the time of this report, no number of casualties have been confirmed.
