There was confusion in Obollo-Afor, the headquarters of Udenu Local Government Area, Enugu State as hooded gunmen enforcing the suspended IPOB sit-at-home order attacked residents in the early hours of today.

The hooded gunmen who came into the commercial town on motorcycles were seen beating traders who had opened shop for business. Other residents were seen scampering for safety as the hoodlums chased them down with whips.

A tricycle was also burnt by the hoodlums. It was learnt that members of Udenu Central Neighbourhood Watch took to their heels on sighting the gunmen. A Sienna car belonging to the group was destroyed in the attack.

One of the traders told Daily Sun that he had a close shove with the gunmen said he was yet to recover from the incident.

They had guns, knives and whips with which they dispersed people. They didn’t shoot at anybody. Their faces were covered. I am still shaking from the shock. I thought they would attack me since my shop was open at the time they passed. Later on I heard they were beating some people and asking others to go back home.”

Another eyewitness said that a military team arrived at the town around 8:30am and is currently patrolling it to ensure that normalcy is restored.

Meanwhile, residents of Enugu metropolis kept indoors as the roads and streets are empty. There are no commercial buses or tricycles (Keke) on the roads, not even are there private vehicles as one or two you may sight might be medical doctors on call.

Some people who came out to the bus stops to enter buses or Keke to their destinations for the day’s businesses could not but had to return to their residences.

It was also observed that shops, markets, banks, fuel stations and other business premises are not opened as at the time of the report.

Speaking to the The Sun a resident at New Haven area of the capital city, Kingsley Nweze said the incident of last week Monday in the state had infused fears in the people and “no one want to be a victim of this madness.”

He said, “I am not surprised at the emptiness of streets and roads because I that with what happened last week people are still afraid and no one will like to fall victim of this their madness. If you come out you are on your own because there is no security to protect you and even if they destroy your property government will not come to your aid. So it is better you stay away from the streets and roads.”

Source: The Sun