Enugu: Gunmen Unleash Chaos In Ogbete Market

Gunmen launched an attack on the Ogbete Main Market neighbourhood, causing chaos as they fired shots indiscriminately.

Market traders and commuters fled in all directions to seek safety.

This incident occurred during a one-week Sit-at-home protest ordered by a segment of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to demonstrate against the arrest and continued detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

In response to the protest, the Enugu State Government instructed its citizens to disregard the Sit-at-home order, which has been ongoing since Monday.

This morning, as people had resumed their normal activities in businesses, shops, and offices, the gunmen entered the southern end of Ogbete Main Market, firing shots as they moved from Mgbemena to Zik Avenue. They continued shooting for a prolonged period at Zik Avenue before driving into nearby Amokwe Street and disappearing.

Witnesses reported that the intense shooting prompted motorists and individuals in the area to seek cover urgently. The news quickly spread throughout the city and suburbs, leading to a halt in all activities. Filling stations, banks, shops, markets, garages, offices, and schools closed down for the day.

Subsequently, soldiers and police officers with armoured vehicles began patrolling the area to restore confidence and maintain security. This development coincides with the ongoing First School Leaving Certificate exams, potentially impacting students and teachers.