There were intense shootouts in Owerri on Wednesday, July 31, as armed hoodlums, suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), clashed with security personnel.
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Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits attempted to break into Owerri prison but were repelled by the military and armed police.
The shootouts occurred at various locations, including Owerri/Okigwe Road, IMSU junction, Aba Road, Emmanuel College, and Douglas Road.
Residents scrambled for safety, and businesses were forced to close. This incident follows Tuesday’s killing of a policeman and two others in separate attacks in Owerri.
The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, attributed the attacks to IPOB, stating that security agencies are working to apprehend the perpetrators.
He said the Commissioner of Police has led efforts to restore normalcy, vowing to deal decisively with those responsible for the senseless attacks.
This latest violence comes after Monday’s killing of four policemen and a PoS seller by the bandits. The police assure that they are on top of the situation and will bring the culprits to justice.
Okoye said: “They are pure cowards, the criminals suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN adopted a gorilla-like strategy where they come out from their enclaves, unleash a surprise attack and go back into hiding. However, concerted efforts are underway by security agencies to apprehend them.
“The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scene. The Command is on top of the Situation. We will get the miscreants responsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive
“We will so deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public in such a way that they will never think of perpetrating insecurity in the state.”
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