A community source, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the market when traders had already opened for business on Wednesday morning.
Nwakpu market is opposite the country home of the Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Eric Kelechi.
The source said, “The gunmen came into the market and ordered traders and shop owners to vacate the market. They also tell them to observe the sit-at-home.
“After dispatching the traders and shop owners, the gunmen set ablaze a vehicle. As the vehicle owner (name withheld) attempted to quench the fire, they (gunmen) shot him in the head and legs.”
Also, economic activities were, on Wednesday, halted in Abakaliki, the capital city as filling stations, banks and event centres were shut down apparently to observe the sit-at-home order.
Confirming the incident, the Commander of the Ebubeagu Security Outfit, Mr. Friday Nnanna, said the attackers were not members of the Indigenous People of Biafra but mere hoodlums who invaded the market to rob traders of their belongings.
