Two individuals were reportedly killed and several others injured during a gunfight between local security operatives and police officers in Nnobi, Anambra State, on Wednesday evening.
The clash occurred at Izuchukwu Junction along the Nnobi/Nnewi Road, causing panic as passers-by scrambled for safety. Witnesses reported that a stray bullet ignited a vehicle’s fuel tank, setting it ablaze and escalating the chaos.
“The shooting erupted unexpectedly. Two passers-by were hit, and a vehicle caught fire,” an eyewitness recounted.
Confirming the incident, Anambra State Police Command spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the local security team mistook police officers for hostile forces, leading to the confrontation.
He clarified, “The attack was not orchestrated by non-state actors or aimed at disrupting the burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. It resulted from a misunderstanding during a police investigation.”
Ikenga further stated that two injured individuals had been hospitalized and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue. He assured Nnewi residents of enhanced security measures during the burial ceremonies of the late senator.
Joint Security Forces have since been deployed to maintain peace in the area.
