Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
Tension has continued to rise in parts of Imo State with sounds of sporadic gunshots heard in different places since the killing of four policemen on patrol at Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
On Tuesday, unidentified hoodlums shot dead a policeman and a civilian at Nworieubi in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and a young businessman at Amawire Orji in Owerri North, after looting his boutique that opened for business.
Trucks belonging to the state management office was also set ablaze at Nkwo Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area.
The situation has forced residents to scamper for safety and close for businesses early.
Although the cause of the recent security breach is not yet clear, some residents of the state believe the shootings are connected with the four days of sit-at-home declared in solidarity to the nation wide protest which is scheduled to start on the 1st of August.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command, Mr. Henry Okoye, has assured the people that security agents were on top of the situation and appealed to the residents to avail the police with useful information that will lead to the apprehension of those responsible for the mayhem.
