A gunfight between local security operatives and police forces in Anambra State has resulted in two feared deaths and several injuries.
The clash occurred on Wednesday evening, November 20, at Izuchukwu Junction along the Nnobi/Nnewi Road, causing widespread panic.
Eyewitnesses reported that bullets struck a vehicle, causing it to catch fire, further escalating the chaos.
One witness recalled, “We saw security operatives engaging each other in a gun battle, and during the incident, two passers-by were hit by stray bullets. No one knew the cause of the shooting, and people quickly ran for safety. Even a vehicle was destroyed after the bullets hit its fuel tank.”
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga explaining that local security forces had mistaken police operatives for “unfriendly forces” and opened fire.
He clarified, “The attack was not linked to non-state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.”
Ikenga further stated that the police were investigating a suspect when the gunfight broke out. The shooting damaged a police vehicle, a Toyota Venza, which was set alight by gunfire. Two innocent bystanders were injured and taken to the hospital.
Authorities have assured the public that joint security forces have been deployed to maintain calm in the area during the ongoing burial ceremonies for Senator Ubah.
The police command is urging Nnewi residents to remain calm as investigations into the incident continue.
