Security operatives exchange fire in Anambra after mistaking themselves for gunmen

Security operatives engaged in a gun duel in Anambra on Wednesday after both camps thought they were dealing with gunmen from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Nnewi, the home town of Ifeanyi Ubah, the senator who died on July 27 in London.

Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson of the Anambra police command, told journalists in Awka that the shooting began when another security agency mistook police operatives for unfriendly forces.

Ikenga said contrary to reports in certain quarters, the shooting was not an attempt to disrupt the burial of the senator.

“The command is aware of the shooting incident that took place at Izuchukwu Junction on Nnobi/Nnewi road by 7pm on Wednesday, where security operatives mistook the police operatives as unfriendly forces and opened fire at them,” he said.

“We emphasise that the attack on the operatives was not from non-state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.”

The police spokesperson said preliminary information showed that the security operatives had trailed a suspect to a checkpoint before the gun duel ensued.

“Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was razed down,” he added.

“Two innocent passersby were injured and they have been taken to the hospital. We call for calm to allow for investigations into the incident as the issue is under control.”

Ikenga said joint security forces have been deployed to ensure calm in Nnewi throughout the burial ceremony.

Ubah would be buried on November 22 in his home in Otolo, Nnewi.