The military and unknown gunmen, suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) reportedly clashed on Saturday in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia state.
It was gathered that trouble started when the gunmen stormed the popular Ebem motor park in the Ohafia Local Government Area of the state and started shooting indiscriminately.
The shooting was said to have attracted soldiers from the Army Headquarters, in Ohafia, who engaged the suspected ESN members in an exchange of gunfire.
One of the soldier attached to the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia shot during the clash and was taken to Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, for treatment.
The pandemonium was said to have forced many residents of Elu, Amangwu, Ebem and Amaekpu to flee to neighbouring villages to avoid being caught up in the crossfire.
A source who did not want to be identified told PUNCH that, “We learnt that some boys believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network came to the popular Ebem motor park and started shooting and later left. Soldiers from 14 Brigade, Ohafia, whose command headquarters is located in the area, later came and went after them.
“We learnt that the unknown gunmen shot a soldier with a double-barrel gun but (he’s) not dead. He’s currently at Federal Medical Center Umuahia, currently receiving medical attention and since that time, there have been sporadic gunshots from all corners.”