There was pandemonium in Isseke community and its environs in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State amid a gun duel between security operatives and men suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, a security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
The incident, which reportedly started in the early hours of Tuesday with sporadic shootings, created panic and fear as residents remained indoors and traders stayed away from markets and other public places for fear of stray bullets.
Some villagers who summoned the courage to come out of their various homes, reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries before they scampered for safety.
A source and a community leader who pleaded anonymity told newsmen the shooting incident began in the early hours of the night when some security operatives wearing masks stormed the area.
“We don’t know the actual reason for the shootings, but from the information I have gathered, it looks as if the security operatives are raiding some criminal hideouts in the area and you know such exercise would always come with skirmishes.
“As I speak now, shootings are still ongoing and people have been forced to remain indoors. We suspect it might be a shootout between those suspected to be ESN members and the security operatives. It is not yet clear if there is any casualty at the moment,” he said.
When contacted, the Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “The situation is under control as clearance operations are ongoing by joint security operatives at Isseke community in Ihiala LGA. The joint security operatives raided some criminal elements and hideouts of ESN and IPOB members in the area.
“The operation is still ongoing and no casualties have been recorded so far. There is no cause for panic, as only criminal hideouts are being targeted. Further details shall be communicated soon.”
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