November 30, (THEWILL) – Fear and shock gripped residents of Mgbidi and Akata communities in the Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State on Tuesday morning, as men of the the Nigerian Army exchanged heavy gunfire with armed hoodlums.
THEWILL gathered that the heavy shootout caused residents to flee their homes and business outlets.
Sources in the area said the incident began as early as 6am when the hoodlums allegedly enforced a partial lockdown, barricading the roads and ordering people to go back to their houses.
The development attracted security men in the area, which led to a gun duel.
While it had not been confirmed if there was any casualty as of the time of filing this report, it was reported that some cars were burnt during the crossfire.
One of the sources said, “Hoodlums and gunmen are engaging each other in a crossfire. Our people, especially those of them at Mgbidi are on the run. Some cars were set ablaze.”
Southeast separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), had on Monday urged people in the South East to pray fervently for peace in the zone, unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, and restoration of a Biafra nation.
Although a statement by the spokesperson for the group, Emma Powerful, did not order a sit-at-home, it urged the people to lock up their shops temporarily during the duration of the prayers and open shortly after.
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