Gunmen kill two residents, set waste disposal truck ablaze in Imo

Some gunmen have reportedly killed two persons in the Amawire axis of Orji, Owerri-north LGA in Imo state.

Witnesses said the attack took place on Tuesday afternoon, adding that the victims were “a man and a lady”.

TheCable understands that the gunmen also set ablaze a waste disposal truck belonging to the Imo state government.

One of the witnesses who claimed to be a resident of the area said chaos broke out after the gunmen shot and killed the victims at “close range”.

“Gunmen shot a boy and a lady dead at Amawire junction, near Imo State University. The victims, who appeared to be waiting for a vehicle, were killed at close range,”  the witness said.

“The boy seemed to be a student of Imo State University. They also set ablaze a waste disposal truck belonging to the state government.

“As I speak, all shops along Okigwe road have been closed as shop owners fled upon hearing the gunshots. It was a terrible scene.”

Another witness said the incident might be related to the proposed nationwide protest.

“Gunmen have shown force around Nkwo-Orji, setting ablaze a truck belonging to the Imo State Waste Management Agency. Imo needs to rise to the occasion,” the witness said.

“This is a sign of what could happen if the police focus only on peaceful protesters and leave other areas unguarded.

“The attackers are becoming emboldened and using scare tactics to warn people to comply with their demands. Imo residents should be cautious, especially as the protest gains momentum.”

Another resident expressed concern over the “potentially dangerous situation” the protest may cause.

The resident said, “I wish our people would withdraw from the protest to avoid being caught in a potentially dangerous situation.”

“There are those who might exploit the hunger and desperation of people to cover their own nefarious plans. We must not become victims,” he added.

“I thank God my son, who was returning from school, ran back to safety when he saw the commotion before the exchange of gunfire with the police began.

TheCable reached out to Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, who said “the situation is under control”.

He added that “police operatives have been massively deployed at Orji, and the miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book”.

On Monday, four policemen and a female Point of Sale (POS) operator were shot dead on the Owerri-Onitsha road by some gunmen alleged to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order.