- A tricyclist and a pedestrian were killed by gunmen in Owerri North
- The gunmen were enforcing the sit-at-home order
- The police has not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident
In yet another tragic incident related to the illegal seven-day sit-at-home order, a tricyclist and a pedestrian lost their lives when assailants opened fire at Akwakuma junction in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to reports, the gunmen launched an attack on the area last Saturday, enforcing the sit-at-home order with ruthless violence. Witnesses on the scene described the assailants arriving in a Sienna bus and firing their weapons indiscriminately, prompting a chaotic scramble for safety among the people present.
The tricycle rider, whose identity remains unknown, was caught off guard by the gunmen while seeking passengers at the junction. He suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.
This incident occurred mere hours after a section of the bustling Orie Amaraku market was set ablaze, reportedly by the same individuals enforcing the sit-at-home order. Several parked vehicles were also damaged in the arson attack.
A discreet source, a tailor located at Akwakuma junction, revealed that another innocent pedestrian was struck by a stray bullet during the attack. The source, preferring to remain anonymous, described the terrifying ordeal, stating, “It was a terrible situation. The junction is now deserted due to the presence of the gunmen. They targeted a tricyclist and a pedestrian, shooting them without mercy.”
Recalling the events, the source further added, “I was in my shop when the gunshots suddenly rang out. We all fled in fear. Although I did not witness the gunmen directly, I heard their shots closely. Sadly, two people lost their lives.”
A resident from the Akwakuma community expressed dismay, saying, “It’s disheartening to see these criminals operate with impunity, especially when there is a military checkpoint nearby. If the security agents were focused on maintaining legitimate checkpoints and conducting thorough searches of occupants and vehicles instead of engaging in extortion, this tragic incident could have been prevented.”
Another resident voiced their concerns, questioning the effectiveness of the security agencies and the state government’s advisories to resume normal activities and disregard the sit-at-home order. They pondered, “If such incidents can occur in the capital city of Owerri, what about the rural communities? Where are the security agencies and the state government that urged people to carry on with their lives? Who should we trust and obey? The government and security agencies, who have failed to protect us despite their advice, or the group enforcing the sit-at-home order? We find ourselves in a dire situation.”
As of now, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, has not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident.