By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

There was commotion in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, when armed young men on Wednesday morning accosted and burnt a commercial bus and tricycle in their bid to enforce a sit-at-home directive.

The youths wielding guns and other dangerous weapons also tried to disrupt economic activities in the bubbling city.

Recall that last weekend, a message was circulated on social media, stating that there would be a four-day sit-at-home exercise in parts of Anambra State, beginning from Monday, May 8, to 11, but no reason was given for the order.

However, a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Emma Powerful, clarified that the group had announced only May 30 as a day for all Biafrans to sit at home, in commemoration of Biafra Day.

The burning of the vehicles had sent panic in Onitsha town and environs, as the enforcers were said to have headed towards Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area, through the old road.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the enforcers were confronted by police operatives, and they had long been dislodged.

“Police responded swiftly which made the criminals escape the scene. The hoodlums in an attempt to scare the residents from coming out to embark on their daily activities, stopped and set on fire commercial vehicles and tricycles plying the road.

“The residents courageously resisted the assailants and the fire has been put off by the police operatives and some people in the area. Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area and the situation is under control and monitored,” he stated.

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