This event occurred just a day after four police officers and a point-of-sale operator were killed in Irette, part of Owerri West LGA in Imo.
The attackers, who fired randomly into the air as they moved toward Owerri-Enugu Road, also set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Imo State Government Waste Management Agency at the Nkwo Orji Market in Owerri North.
When PUNCH Metro arrived at Nkwo Orji Market, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen were yelling, “Stay in your homes. Don’t come out during the sit-at-home if you value your lives.”
“The traders and buyers scampered for safety, abandoning their wares and vehicles as they ran for their lives.”
PUNCH Metro observed that travellers were left stranded because only a few buses were operating on the route due to concerns about potential harm.
Responding to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, stated, “Police operatives have been massively deployed to Orji. The situation is under control. The miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book.”
Source: The PUNCH
