On Tuesday, chaos erupted in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, when unknown assailants fatally shot a young man. This attack followed another violent incident the previous day in Irete, Owerri West LGA, where four police officers and a point-of-sale operator were killed.
The gunmen, who fired shots into the air as they approached Owerri-Enugu Road, also set ablaze an Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at Nkwo Orji Market. Witnesses reported that the attackers were heard warning residents to stay indoors and avoid participating in the sit-at-home order, threatening violence if their instructions were ignored.
The market area was left in disarray as traders and shoppers fled, leaving behind their goods and vehicles in the rush to find safety.
In response, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, assured that law enforcement personnel have been deployed in Orji to restore order. “The situation is under control. We are committed to apprehending those responsible for these attacks,” Okoye stated.
