Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen suspected to be enforcing an illegal Monday sit-at-home order, have again, disrupted peace in Ebonyi State.
This time they struck on the Abakaliki/Enugu Expressway attacking motorists.
They were also said to have destroyed some properties in some shops.
A source in the area confirmed the incident to Ikengaonline.
The source said the gunmen visited the Ezzangbo Junction in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and burnt vehicles and motorcycles.
“Unknown Gunmen visited Ezzamgbo Junction today, burnt down two vehicles and two motorcycles at Sam. Egwu’s flyover along Abakaliki-Enugu Express way, Ebonyi State Nigeria,” he said
Videos showing the vehicles and motorcycles burning with terrified residents scampering for safety as gunshots were fired intermittently have since gone viral on social media.
Another witness traveling from Enugu to Abakaliki who recounted the horrifying scene said the incident took place around 8 o’clock in the morning.
He said the attackers arrived in a Sienna vehicle, firing shots to cause chaos, and then setting vehicles on fire.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Tina Ogbodo, confirmed the incident.
She said policemen had been deployed to the area to restore order.
Spokesperson of the Police, Onome Onovwakpoyeya said no lives were lost.
She said gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members burnt three commercial buses, four motorcycles and 1 tricycle.
“Today 02/10/2023, Armed men suspected to be IPOB/ESN members in a sienna car attacked commuter buses, tricycle and motorcycles at Ezzangbo junction .
“They burnt down 3 commuter buses, 4 motorcycles and 1 tricycle. No life was lost.
The Spokesperson said operatives of the Command had been despatched to the scene and it environs to fish out the perpetrators.
“And we believe that before the end of the day, the perpetrators will be apprehended,” she added.