Gunmen loot, burn shops, vehicles, houses in Imo community

Gunmen on Saturday went on rampage burning shops and vehicles at Izombe Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to an eyewitness not less than 18 shops and seven vehicles were burnt during the incident.

Though no casualty was recorded, scores sustained injuries while scampering to safety.

The incident occurred few hours after gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked the Agwa Divisional Police headquarters in the same local government area, killing four operatives.

Two of the operatives, female police officers, were set ablaze after being killed.

It was gathered that the gunmen arrived the community in the early hours of Saturday, shooting sporadically and looting after destroying the shops.

The eyewitness, who spoke on phone said: “They burnt seven vehicles, burnt about 18 locked-up shops, stalls, comprising pharmaceutical shop, machine spare parts, wine, assorted drinks shops, decoration, boutique shop all filled to their brim were razed down by the gunmen.”

It was gathered that incident may not be unconnected to one in Agwa as a source hinted the heavily armed gunmen looked like people returning from a mission.

It was gathered that the incident threw the entire community into confusion as everybody ran helter skelter seeking for safety.

As at the time of filing the report, it was gathered that the police were yet to arrive there.

Imo Police spokesman has not picked calla but a source said no such incident has been reported to the station.  (The Nation)