There was tension in Owerri, capital of Imo State on Monday as residents rushed to close up shops for reports of gunmen attack.
Traders reportedly closed up their shops in a hurry so as not to be caught unaware by the gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) enforcing a sit-at-home order of the separatist group.
Commercial bus drivers and Okada riders were said to have abandoned their vehicles and taken to their heels for safety as IPOB reportedly were going round the town, beating residents and chasing them away from their shops.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The rumour of the attack led to the immediate closure of Eke Ukwu Owerri, Relief market and shops in the metropolis.
“Traders on the streets of Owerri, Ekeukwu and its sub- markets deserted their goods while others immediately closed shops to avoid being attacked.
“Several people were wounded running for safety while the goods of others were destroyed.”
Meanwhile, the state police command’s spokesman, Michael Abatham, denied any pandemonium anywhere in the state.
He told newsmen that the state was calm, saying: “There is no pandemonium and confusion anywhere. People should go about their legitimate businesses.”
