5 Days Sit-at-home: Unknown Gunmen Stage Show Of Force In Ihiala, Banks, Shops, Markets Remain Close

There was tension in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State today as unknown gunmen in large numbers came out to ensure enforcement as the five days sit-at-home order begins.

It was gathered that the unknown gunmen in large numbers drove through Ihiala-Orlu road without shooting a gun and took over the 4-junction close to Total Filling Station that connects Onitsha-Owerri road, Ihiala-Orlu road and Nitel road.

Another set of unknown gunmen also took over Azia community in the same Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, wherein, they burnt motorcycle and set ablaze one of the markets in the Azia area.

According to eyewitnesses, the unknown gunmen started the show of force around 12pm on Friday and the show of force lasted till 2pm before the unknown gunmen retreated without shooting a gun.

The eyewitnesses added that the unknown gunmen went straight to the local vigilantes office along the Nitel road by Mbarapaka community and set security vehicles ablaze.

It would be recalled that the local vigilantes were first attacked by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night. During the attack, the unknown gunmen killed one of the local vigilantes and kidnapped several others, with the building housing the vigilantes set ablaze.

Residents said group of Nigeria soldiers later took over the 4-junction along the Onitsha-Owerri road by Total Filling Station after the unknown gunmen had retreated.

A check on the community indicated that the main market, well known as Nkwogbe, banks and other road side shops in the Ihiala environ were completely under luck and key in compliance to the commencement of the 5 Days sit-at-home order.

We learnt the 5 days sit-at-home was declared by unknown gunmen; following threats to attack security facilities and personnel in the Southeastern states.