Residents of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, were this Monday thrown into fear and panic following rumours that gunmen had invaded parts of the city.

The apprehension was heightened as unconfirmed reports of killings and burning of property within the metropolis spread, forcing businesses to shut down, while motorists, tricycle and motorcycle operators withdrew from the roads.

People were seen scampering for their safety and within a few minutes, the city became a ghost area.

Eyewitnesses who spoke off camera say they heard that suspected gunmen were enforcing a five-day sit-at-home order issued a few days ago in a viral video by the self-acclaimed factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Simon Ekpa.

A reliable source confirmed to ait.live that a gang of hoodlums had invaded a popular Ahiaofuru market, located along the Abakaliki – Enugu Highway, where they attacked a provision shop causing a stir around the axis, but no life was lost.
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Reacting to the development, both the Police and the State government, dismissed the incidents, describing the reports as a false alarm, while calling on residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

Newsjaunts monitored the situation in Abakaliki and observed that normalcy was gradually returning to the city, at the time of filing this report.

The sit at home ordered by separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) recorded partial compliance by residents in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

In Umuahia, the state capital, few shops were opened to business.

All banks, schools, filling stations and government offices were closed on Tuesday with the streets completely deserted.

Even though the popular Federal Medical Center was opened to the public, few patients expressed anxiety over the situation.

At the ever busy Isi gate, former Umuahia main market, few residents were seen discussing in groups as only few tricycles move along the adjoining streets.

Recall that in a recent statement by the IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the sit-at-home will be a total lockdown of the Southeast in line with the existing sit-at-home order regarding Kanu’s court appearance.

Police in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria says security forces have dislodged a suspected training camp of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, the armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The camp is said to be located in Onicha, Isu Local Government Area, in the southern part of Ebonyi State.

Newly deployed Ebonyi Police Command spokesman, SP Chris Anyanwu told journalists in Abakaliki that, three suspected members of the gang were killed in an operation that lasted for hours.

On Monday, suspected ESN gunmen allegedly enforcing the sit-at-home order imposed by the outlawed separatist group, IPOB had attacked a Police patrol team, killing one officer and making away with his rifle.

No group claimed responsibility, but security agencies blame the IPOB for the attack.

At least two native doctors are in Police custody, in connection with the incessant attacks on Police formations across the State.

The duo were reportedly arrested during two separate operations at their shrines located at Okpera Osege in Ndufu Echara, Ikwo Council Area.