By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government has dismissed rumours of unknown gunmen invasion in the state, saying that it was rather men of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG).

This is coming on the heels of reports of the appearance of armed masked men in Sienna buses Friday morning in parts of Onitsha.

It was learnt that the incident caused some panic among the people as business operators began to shut down while school children were sent home.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu read in part, “Truth of the matter is that those they saw were men ofthe Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG).

“Following the mild tension and anxiety among the people, Government directed the Department of State Security (DSS) and the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha to join in strengthening the patrol.

“Normalcy has since returned to the commercial city. Offices and shops have since reopened.

“However, a few miscreants that tried to test the resolve of Government to protect lives and property of its people have been arrested by our security agents and they’re presently providing useful information.

“Reports from Local Government Chairmen in other parts of the State reveal that people are going about their normal businesses while their local AVGs and Joint Task Forces are on red alert.

Anambra State Government is therefore calling on Ndi Anambra to go about their legitimate businesses without fear.

A video was attached to the statement to attest to the normalcy in Onitsha and other parts of the state.