Pandemonium erupted in the Isseke community and its surroundings in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State amid a gun duel between security operatives and individuals suspected of being members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The incident reportedly began in the early hours of Tuesday, with sporadic gunfire creating panic and fear as residents stayed indoors and traders avoided markets and public places, wary of stray bullets.
Some villagers who summoned the courage to venture outside sustained varying degrees of injuries before fleeing to safety.
A source, a community leader who wished to remain anonymous, informed reporters that the shooting commenced in the wee hours of the night when masked security operatives stormed the area.
“We don’t know the exact reason for the shootings, but from the information I have gathered, it seems the security operatives are raiding criminal hideouts in the area, and such operations typically lead to skirmishes.
“As I speak, the shooting is still ongoing, and people have been forced to remain indoors. We suspect it may be a shootout between those believed to be ESN members and the security forces. It is unclear at this point if there have been any casualties,” he said.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the operation is being conducted by a joint security team in response to intelligence gathered regarding the activities of hoodlums in the area.
“Joint security operations are currently underway in Ishekke, a border town between Anambra and Imo, following intelligence received over time about the presence of insurgents in the region.
“The details of the operation will be provided in due course.”
