Unknown gunmen suspected to be enforcing a two-day sit-at-home allegedly declared by yet-to-be identified dissident group in South-East attacked Ebebe Junction in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi.
The attackers who struck the area at about 6:20 a.m. on Friday set a vehicle ablaze while a motorcycle operator escaped death by a whisker.

Anayo Chukwuemeka, a resident of the area, said the attackers fired several gunshots.

“It happened in a flash. But, when the gunshots died down and we came out, we saw that a vehicle had been burnt beyond recognition,” he said. “The driver of the vehicle who managed to escape told us that the gunmen said they are enforcing the sit-at-home declared in protest of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi.”

The Ebonyi resident added, “A motorcycle operator who also escaped the attackers gunshots told us that they fired at him but he miraculously dodged the bullets.”

Also, Simon Onwe, a shop owner in the area disclosed that the attackers came in a vehicle with no number plate, shot sporadically in the air and immediately fled.

“I was still inside my shop because I slept there. I heard the gunshots but I discovered later that they left a vehicle burnt beyond recognition while a motorcycle operator told us that he narrowly escaped their bullets.”

He added, “It’s so unfortunate that we witnessed such an ugly incident in this area that is usually very peaceful and spralling with business activities especially at evening periods.

Meanwhile, a combined team of police officers and the Ebubeagu Eastern Security Outfit operatives, have condoned off the area.

Police spokesman Loveth Odah, when contacted for reaction, said she had yet to get a report of the incident.

“I’m just getting the information from you. I’m not aware of the attack,” Ms Odah said.

An officer of the command at the scene of the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the police had begun a manhunt for the gunmen.

However, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), had in a statement signed by its spokesman Emma Powerful, said that the group had not declared any sit-at-home in the South-East.

Mr Buhari arrived in Ebonyi on Thursday on a two-day state visit. The president is expected to interface with leaders and stakeholders of the zone.

(NAN)³