Two people were feared dead, and several others injured following a gun battle between local vigilante operatives and police officers at Izuchukwu Junction along the Nnobi/Nnewi Road on Wednesday night.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident caused widespread panic in the area, with a vehicle catching fire after stray bullets struck its fuel tank.
One witness recounted, “The incident happened around 7 PM on Wednesday. We suddenly saw security operatives shooting at each other. Two passers-by were hit by stray bullets and collapsed, bleeding heavily.
“Everyone started running for safety, unsure of what was happening. A vehicle caught fire after bullets hit its fuel tank. Many feared it was an attack by hoodlums targeting the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, set to take place in Nnewi later this week.”
The chaotic scene was further corroborated by videos circulating on social media, with narrations from voices in the footage detailing the incident.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning, clarifying the cause of the altercation.
According to SP Ikenga, “The local vigilante mistook police operatives for hostile forces and opened fire, resulting in the gunfight.”
He added: “The Anambra State Police Command is aware of the shooting at Izuchukwu Junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, around 7 PM. The misunderstanding arose when local security forces mistook police personnel for unfriendly entities and attacked them.
“The altercation was not instigated by non-state actors nor aimed at disrupting the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Preliminary investigations reveal that security operatives were trailing a suspect to a checkpoint when the gun battle ensued.
“Sadly, stray bullets struck the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza Sedan, leading to its explosion. Two innocent passers-by sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital. The Command appeals for calm as investigations continue.”
SP Ikenga also assured residents of Nnewi of their safety during the burial activities, stating that joint security forces have been deployed to maintain peace throughout the ceremonies.
