Gunmen attack Nnewi police station as IPOB sit-at-home grounds S’East

Two people were reportedly killed by gunmen on Monday in Nnewi, Anambra State, where they also attacked the area police command, carting away some arms.

The incidents were recorded amid heavy shootings between the gunmen and police, during the sit-at-home order imposed on the residents by the Indigenous People of Biafra in the South-East states in protest of the arrest and trial of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

IPOB had said it would enforce a lockdown every Monday, from August 9, in the South-East until its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is released.

The gunmen, who stormed Nnewi around noon with seven vehicles, engaged the police in a gun battle for about an hour.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was yet to receive the report.

About three buses belonging to a transportation company were reportedly set ablaze in Enyiogwugwu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Are of Imo State.

In Onitsha, commercial activities were completely grounded while schools, public institutions, markets and shops were under lock and key.

Markets, including popular Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Central Market, Bridge Head Medicine market, food markets Ose Okwodu, Coca Cola market, Relief Market Okpoko and spare part markets, among others were all shut.

Banks located within the commercial city and its environs and suburbs were all shut contrary to plans to open for business following government’s directive to workers in the state to report to work or forfeit their pay.

Major roads and streets were deserted, including the Niger Bridge, Onitsha/Enugu expressway to Upper Iweke through Army barracks, Ziks roundabout to Nkpor and old Ogbunike toll gate were turned ghosts areas.

No human and vehicular movements were sighted at both ends of Onitsha and Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Some persons in masks were seen beating up those found to have ignored the stay-at-home directive and destroying valuables a few traders of those who defied the order.