Two killed others injured in a gun duel between local security operatives and policemen at Izuchukwu Junction along Nnobi/Nnewi Road in Anambra State on Wednesday evening.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the confrontation, which lasted several minutes, began around 7 p.m., creating panic in the area.
The incident also saw a vehicle engulfed in flames after bullets struck its fuel tank.
According to an eyewitness, the unexpected clash left residents and passers-by in fear.
“The incident happened last night (Wednesday). We just saw security operatives engaging one another in a gun battle, and during the incident, two passers-by were hit by bullets,” one source narrated.
Adding to the confusion, no clear reason was immediately known for the altercation, but the gunfire caused people to flee for safety. “Even a vehicle was burnt down when bullets hit the fuel tank,” another source said, describing the extent of the chaos.
Videos of the incident have surfaced online, where onlookers provided real-time accounts of the ordeal.
When contacted on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident. He clarified that the tragic gun battle was a result of mistaken identity.
“The command is aware of the shooting incident that took place at Izuchukwu Junction, Nnobi/Nnewi road by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 20/11/2024, where security operatives mistook the police operatives as unfriendly forces and opened fire at them,” Ikenga said.
Ikenga emphasized that the attack was not orchestrated by non-state actors and assured residents that it was unrelated to attempts to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whose funeral ceremonies were ongoing in the area.
He provided additional details, stating, “Preliminary information showed that security operatives on investigation trailed a suspect to a security checkpoint before the gun duel ensued.”
Unfortunately, the confrontation resulted in collateral damage. “Bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was razed down. Two innocent passers-by were injured and taken to hospital,” Ikenga added.
As tensions rose in Nnewi, the police called for calm, assuring residents that the situation was under control.
“The command sues for calm to allow for investigations into the incident,” Ikenga said.
Joint security forces have since been deployed to maintain peace in the area throughout the burial ceremonies of the late senator. Residents are urged to go about their activities without fear as authorities work to ensure the safety of all.
