Five gunmen were killed in a shootout with suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Akwa community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State at the weekend.
Both sides were said to have engaged in a battle over control of the area.
The IPOB members reportedly killed five of the gunmen whom they accused of terrorising residents of the council area.
A video circulating on social media showed the IPOB members in a long convoy heading to an unknown destination with some bodies – said to be the five slain gunmen — in one of their trucks. They were seen in the clip shooting in the air amidst cheers from some residents who were standing by.
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When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident. He said only four of the gunmen were killed during the shootout with suspected IPOB members.
He said one of the victims was a gang leader who had been on the police wanted list for his involvement in attacks on police and military facilities in the state.
“The violent clash ensued between the two criminal gangs and further details confirmed the killing of one Innocent Obieke aka Double Lion and three others,” Mr Ikenga said.
“Double Lion has been on the police wanted list and has featured in attacks on police formations, military locations and other government infrastructure,” he added.
Mr Ikenga said following the viral video clip of the group, the police in the state deployed operatives in Ihiala area and its environs and also intensified patrol to avert any break down of law and order by any of the terror groups.
“The situation is being monitored,” he assured. (Premium Times)
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