Hoodlums have burnt down at least ten (10) vehicles including two buses, one tricycle, seven motorcycles and one shop in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.
The hoodlums, suspected to be the enforcers of the sit-at-home order by a factional group of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) reportedly unleashed the mayhem early hours of Monday.
National Panel gathered that the armed men first invaded Eke market at the Ezzangbo junction where they shot sporadically in the air, and burnt down two buses and four motorcycles after scaring people away from the scene of the incident with their gun bullets.
The gunmen reportedly proceeded to one Nkwo Donkey Market in Ohaukwu LGA where they equally set ablaze one tricycle and three motorcycles after shooting sporadically in the air to scare people away.
Eyewitnesses' accounts also revealed that apart from the valuables burnt down during the operation, there were fears among the residents that some lives might be lost.
They revealed that the gunmen who were over 8 in number came in a blue Sienna car, and carried charms prepared in a local pot, shouting that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released by the Nigerian government.
The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Prince Ikechukwu Odono who confirmed the incident, said, "Early this morning, armed hoodlums entered Ezzamgbo junction and started shooting at the flyover. They set ablaze two buses and about three motorcycles.
"I quickly called security agents but before they could reach the scene of the incident, the armed men had left for Nkwo Donkey Market where they shot sporadically in the air; and set ablaze one tricycle and another three motorcycles.
"Before the security operatives could reach there, the hoodlums had fled away. Now, security agents are everywhere, in Ohaukwu, carrying out a serious investigation to fish out the perpetrators of the evil acts. I also, assured Ohaukwu people to go about their legitimate businesses because the security operatives including the Army, Police and DSS are currently in Ezzamgbo to ensure people's lives and property are well secured."
Also, the Police Spokesperson in Ebonyi State, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya in a press release, explained that armed men came in a Sienna car and attacked commuter buses, tricycles and motorcycles at Ezzangbo junction.
According to her, the hoodlums burnt down 3 commuter buses, 4 motorcycles and 1 tricycle but "no life was lost."
"Operatives of the Command have been dispatched to the scene and its environs to fish out the perpetrators. And we believe that before the end of the day, the perpetrators will be apprehended," Onovwakpoyeya said.
