By 
By Abiodun OBA
Gunmen on Tuesday stormed Ishieke and Ukwuachi suburbs of Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State and reportedly shot into the air to disperse traders at a market in the area.
The gunmen, alleged to be enforcing the seven-day sit-at-home order declared by a separatist group operated in an open-roof vehicle and two motorcycles, wielding various high-calibre guns.
They reportedly warned the traders to go home immediately for their own safety.
The incident caused panic and chaos in the area as people fled for safety.
According to a source in the area, although the police later arrived after the gunmen had already left, news of the incident spread throughout the town, leading to the temporary closure of shops and businesses in some parts of the state, particularly in the Mile 50 area.
This incident followed the burning of a patrol van by gunmen in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area on Monday.
During a security meeting at the Council Headquarters, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government, Odono Ikechukwu Onwe, condemned the incident, which occurred in Ugwagba.
He promised to utilize all available means to apprehend the perpetrators and called for maximum cooperation among stakeholders to combat insecurity in the area.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Ogbonna Tobias, condemned the incident.
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