By CHARLES IWUOHA

There was panic at the Iboko community in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Tuesday, when gunmen stormed the area and killed no fewer than two security guards

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity said the gunmen disguised as natives of the area, stopped at strategic locations in the community and bought food items before unleashing mayhem.

The incident which occurred at the afternoon hours, forced both traders and school children scampered for safety.

A judiciary worker at the Ebonyi State High Court toldNews Expressin confidence that she escaped being lynched by the hoodlums, adding that the incident was destablishing.

The source said: "According to report, the unknown gunmen first stopped at a popular filling station at Iboko and filled their vehicles with PMS before gunning down two persons there.

"They moved to where Ebubeagu operatives (now called Neighbourhood Vigilante members) were and opened fire on them, killing one Fredrick Idike and another person."

The source added: "They equally used an axe to slice two of the vigilante members, who have been deposited at the mortuary.

"Yesterday was Iboko Market and the ugly incident made the traders to start running for safety.

"The whole market was deserted yesterday because of the ugly incident."

When contacted, the Ebonyi State Police command Public Relations officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident.

Ukandu said: "Yes. It happened. Two lives were lost. But we are still investigating it",