From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
Gunmen suspected to be enforcing sit-at-home order who went on rampage, on Monday morning, caused a heavy scare in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
The gunmen struck at different locations in the State and reportedly killed four persons at Izhiamgbo in Ohaukwu LGA of the State.
At Ahiaofu market located within the capital city, it was gathered that the gunmen also stormed the market Monday morning on motorbikes, and disrupted business activities there.
They were said to have set a shop ablaze of a woman displaying her wares before fleeing the market.
Gunshots were also heard in other locations in Abakaliki capital city, such as Kpirikpiri, Spera-in-doe, Mechanic sites, among others, according to eyewitnesses.
The incident made people to scamper for safety.
The development also grounded the city and made people to forcefully observe the sit-at-home order.
All the roads and streets were deserted, shops, eateries and markets were shutdown within the Abakaliki metropolis, following the development.
Recall that a faction of IPOB known as Autopilot led by one Simeon Ekpa had declared five days sit-at-home in South-East Nigeria which commenced on 9th of December, 2022.
The order by Simeon Ekpa had been condemned by SouthEast leaders including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who urged the people to ignore the sit-at-home order.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Aliyu Garba, said the reports of gunmen attacks in the capital city was a mere rumor and should be disregarded.
Garba said he had been patrolling round the capital city with no report or incident of any attack any where in the State and urged people to go about their lawful businesses.
Also, the State Governor David Umahi, has ordered security agencies in the State to shoot on sight any person found bearing gun illegally in the State, inline with the order of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Governor gave the order in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji, Monday morning.
The statement further urged residents of the State to go about their normal and lawful businesses, without fear as the situation had been brought under control.