Panic Gripped Aba As Gunmen Set Cars Ablaze and Attack Fast Food Outlet

Residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, were thrown into panic on Monday as hooded gunmen believed to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order attacked the city. The gunmen, operating in two ash-colored Sienna and Hummer buses, struck along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway at Arise and Shine junction by Umuosu.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen first targeted a commercial bus headed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, forcing passengers to alight before setting the vehicle ablaze on the Ugwunagbo local government area axis of the expressway. They then moved to a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) belonging to a medical director, whom they accosted outside his hospital, ordering him out before torching his car.

The violence did not stop there. The gunmen also attacked a popular fast food outlet on the same expressway, shattering windows and causing customers to flee in terror. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a security personnel was shot and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital. Another source indicated that the gunmen also set fire to an SUV with government plates.

Security forces, including soldiers from the 14 Brigade, quickly responded, chasing the gunmen through Umuosu Primary School, Umugo, and Ozata before rejoining the expressway. The soldiers cordoned off several areas, including the Osisioma-Port Harcourt Expressway junction, diverting traffic and causing further panic as the gunmen fired sporadically into the air.

A security source from the 14 Brigade Army Headquarters in Ohafia confirmed that the military engaged the gunmen in a gun battle at Umuojima, killing one and injuring several others. The body of the deceased gunman was recovered, along with a Sienna and a Land Cruiser used by the assailants, both marked with blood stains.

The situation remains tense as security forces continue to patrol the city, ensuring the safety of residents and attempting to prevent further attacks. The enforcement of the sit-at-home order has caused significant disruption, with many shops closing and residents staying indoors out of fear.

The violence in Aba highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and order in the region amidst rising tensions and civil unrest. The swift response by the military underscores the government's commitment to addressing the threats posed by these criminal elements.

Source: infonet