Starrys Obazei/December 12, 2022.
The Ebonyi State Government has blamed the sporadic shooting that caused pandemonium in Abakaliki the state capital on Monday on hoodlums.
The hoodlums suspected to be enforcing a sit-at-home order in the South-East had stormed Abakaliki on Monday to cause mayhem.
Reacting, a statement issued by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, Special Security Consultant (SSC) to Ebonyi State Government, urged residents to go about their lawful engagements, saying the incident was not as being reported.
According to him, the hoodlums only invaded the Ahiaofuru along Abakaliki-Enugu Highway and attacked a provision shop, causing a stir around the axis.
He said no life was lost during the shooting, assuring residents of the state of their safety.
The statement reads: “This is to inform all government officials [and] civil servants, as well as the general public to confidently go about their lawful engagements as what just happened in Ebonyi State, was misconstrued and escalated by unscrupulous elements to cause panic and apprehension among peace-loving people.
“For clarity purposes, a gang of hoodlums invaded Ahiaofuru along Abakaliki/Enugu Highway where they partially attacked a provision shop causing a stir around the axis. No life was lost as being circulated by rumour mongers and enemies of the state.
“Again, all government functions still stand as scheduled because the state is fully and absolutely under control. The men of Ebubeagu and other security agencies have been drafted to strategic locations while others are on patrol to secure the citizens and their properties further.
“Please, rest assured that our men are tracking them and very soon they will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.”