By CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, Owerri

Residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, are living in fear following the wave of insecurity, culminating in policemen arresting residents at out-door areas, while unknown gunmen embark on forceful abductions and sporadic shootings.

Meanwhile, the sit -at- home order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), could be said to have recorded 97 per cent in Owerri, as many shops, markets and public places were shut.

Roads, such as Okigwe, Wetheral, Egbu, Douglas Roads and adjoining streets, in the capital city were empty, as only scanty vehicles were seen plying those hitherto ever -busy roads.

Also, some roads were blocked with objects by security operatives, making it difficult for those who wanted to move from one location to another. Such happened in ever -busy Egbu and Naze -Aba Roads.

Also, the Relief, School Road by Douglas out door markets, among others had no traders, on Friday,. Police and Army officials were on on patrol in the capital city.

Earlier, Imo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, on Thursday, urged residents to ignore IPOB’s order, assuring them of their safety.

On Friday evening, there had been a fracas between traders and security operatives at Ogbosisi, Market on the outskirts of Owerri, as the police arrested some persons. They were also accused of allegedly destroying vehicles and property belonging to both buyers and traders at the market.

Also, on Tuesday, unknown gunmen, struck in Orji, Owerri North Local Council. They prevented reconstruction work at the Divisional Police Station in the area and also abducted a policewoman. Her husband, yesterday, appealed for her through a popular radio programme in the state. (The Guardian)