The capital of Imo State, Owerri, was thrown into chaos on Wednesday as unknown gunmen launched fresh attacks in various parts of the city.
The assaults, marked by sporadic gunfire, caused widespread panic among residents, who fled in different directions seeking safety.
According to DAILY POST, this latest violence follows an earlier attack on Monday, during which gunmen targeted police officers on duty at Orji Road, killing four officers and seizing their rifles.
Wednesday’s incidents saw gunfire incidents in several key areas, including the popular Ikenegbu area, Wethedral Road leading to the Government House, Okigwe Road from the Government House Junction to the back of the Imo State University campus, Amawusa area on Douglas Road, and Toronto Street extending to MCC Road Junction.
Witnesses described scenes of terror as residents scrambled to escape the violence.
Mrs. Roseline Okeke, a fish seller at Relief Market near Fire Service Junction, recounted the chaos: “Everybody ran for dear lives when the shooting was going on.”
Miss Ukamaka Nwole, a POS operator at the Fire Service Junction, reported that the attackers fired several shots near the Fire Service Police Station before fleeing the area.
Police response to the attacks included a detachment of operatives who fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the gunmen.
ASP Henry Okoye, spokesman for the Imo Police Command, described the attackers’ tactics as guerrilla-style, involving surprise assaults from hidden enclaves followed by swift retreats.
In response to the escalating violence, Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma said the police had launched an aggressive counter-attack against the gunmen. Okoye assured the public that the police command was determined to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scenes. The command is on top of the situation. We will get the miscreants responsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive,” Okoye declared.
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