The police in Ebonyi, on Friday, announced the arrest of 15 persons suspected to be involved in the shooting by IPOB members on Tuesday at the new market and Ishieke axis of the state.

The incident occurred as the suspects forced people to abide by the order issued by the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stopping all residents from coming out of their homes for seven days, from July 3 to 10.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Faleye Olayele, told reporters in Abakaliki that among the 15 suspects arrested from their hideouts were two herbalists, Okwudili Otozi and Nnenna Ali.

Mr Olayele said the sit-at-home enforcers attacked the police area commander and burnt police vehicles on Tuesday.

“I want to tell you that 15 of them have been apprehended, together with their herbalists. We recovered arms and charms of different kinds,” said Mr Olayele.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were preparing for another attack on Friday when the police arrested them.

“This shows that our officers are dedicated to their duties; the arrest was made possible by our men through the information we got,” he said and warned all criminal elements to steer clear of Ebonyi.

However, Mr Otozi, one of the herbalists, told journalists he was forced to join the gang.

“I did not know that they wanted to operate in Ebonyi; they came to me and requested medicine, and I gave it to them, after which they forced me to join them in the bush for further preparations.

“Please, I was forced to follow them after I gave them the medicine,” Mr Otozi claimed. 

(NAN)