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Suspected militants believed to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) caused chaos in Ezzamgbo, Ebonyi State, on Monday, launching an assault on traders and setting vehicles ablaze at the bustling Ezzamgbo Junction along the Abakiliki-Enugu highway in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The Eastern Updates has reported that the rebels didn’t stop at that; they proceeded to burn down shops, motorcycles, and tricycles, and further wreaked havoc on the belongings of a number of business owners.
The motive behind this attack is suspected to be the enforcement of the group’s sit-at-home decree, which was initially announced to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The occurrence was verified by resident Chukwuma Apama, who attested that the miscreants induced a state of tension in the locality.
Read also: Imo: Army Eliminate Four IPOB, ESN Camps, Recover Bodies
Meanwhile, in the capital city of Abakiliki, shops, petrol stations, and various business establishments were back in operation, and motorcycle and tricycle services had resumed.
Beforehand, IPOB had made a clear threat, asserting their intent to deal decisively with individuals who refused to comply with their directives regarding the Monday sit-at-home order.
The proscribed group had further sent a message of caution to educational institutions and businesses, emphasising that the Nigerian flag should not be hoisted in observance of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
The group has persistently pushed for the secession of the region from Nigeria and the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Earlier statements from the group had underscored that the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya and is currently in DSS custody, is the only way to bring peace to the South Eastern region of Nigeria and Nigeria at large.
The Nigerian troops have been locked in a consistent struggle with the group, dismantling their hideouts, neutralising armed criminals, and apprehending a number of suspects. However, the security situation seems to persist, worsening day by day.
