Two people were feared dead, and several others injured during a gun battle between local security operatives and police officers in Anambra State on Wednesday evening......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The incident occurred at Izuchukwu Junction along the Nnobi/Nnewi Road, causing panic among residents. Witnesses reported that a vehicle caught fire after its fuel tank was hit by stray bullets during the exchange.
An eyewitness described the chaotic scene: “The incident happened at night. Security operatives were suddenly engaging each other in a gun battle. Two passers-by were hit by bullets, and a vehicle was burnt down after bullets struck its fuel tank.”
Videos of the incident circulating online corroborated the reports, with voices narrating the events.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Thursday. He explained that the clash resulted from a misunderstanding, as local security operatives mistook the police for “unfriendly forces” and opened fire.
Ikenga clarified that the confrontation was unrelated to the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, which was taking place in the area. “Preliminary information showed that security operatives, while investigating a suspect, trailed him to a security checkpoint, leading to the gun duel,” he said.
He added that two passers-by injured during the incident were receiving medical treatment. The burnt vehicle, a Toyota Venza Sedan, was reportedly carrying some of the men involved in the gunfire exchange.
The police assured residents that Joint Security Forces had been deployed to maintain calm during the senator’s burial and called for public patience as investigations continue.