A young man was killed by unknown gunmen in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State on Tuesday.
The incident occurred just 24 hours after a violent attack in Irete, Owerri West LGA, where four police officers and a point-of-sale operator were killed.
The gunmen, who were reportedly firing sporadically into the air, targeted the Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at Nkwo Orji Market in Owerri North.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the vehicle was set ablaze, leaving it in flames.
Witnesses said the gunmen shouted threats at traders and market-goers: “Stay in your homes. Don’t come out during the sit-at-home if you value your lives.”
This caused widespread panic among traders and buyers, who fled the area, leaving their wares and vehicles behind.
In response to the attack, Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye assured the public that police operatives had been deployed in Orji to manage the situation.
“The situation is under control. The miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book,” Okoye stated.