Some gunmen launched an attack on Nkwo Ibagwa market in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, causing injuries to numerous individuals and destroying goods reportedly valued at millions of naira. The assailants, on Wednesday, also set fire to at least two commercial buses and two tricycles.
Chronicles Reporters learned that the gunmen, purportedly enforcing a sit-at-home order in honor of Biafra Heroes Day scheduled for Thursday, May 30, perpetrated the violence against unsuspecting traders at the market, vandalizing their merchandise and torching any vehicles in sight. Charred remnants of vehicles and tricycles laden with goods littered various sections of the market.
The incident has instilled fear in both residents and traders, who have been assessing their losses since the attack. Meanwhile, palpable tension grips the Enugu metropolis as military checkpoints dot major streets and thoroughfares. Armored Personnel Carriers have been strategically positioned in key areas.
Chronicles Reporters observed that the proliferation of military and police checkpoints has led to traffic congestion on major roads within the metropolis. Soldiers are conducting thorough searches on vehicles, particularly SUVs and luxury cars. Additionally, the military has deployed Armored Personnel Carriers to Emene, Eke-obinagu, Abakpa Junction, Trans-Ekulu, Garriki, Holy Ghost, Ogui Junction, and New Heaven Junction, among other strategic locations, to reassure state residents of their safety should they choose to disregard the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Efforts to obtain comments from the Enugu State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, regarding the Igbo-Eze incident proved futile, as he did not respond to calls.