Suspected hoodlums, believed to be enforcing a sit-at-home order, caused havoc in Ezzangbo community, Ebonyi State, the hometown of self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafran Government in exile, Simon Ekpa. On Monday, they set fire to three vehicles, five motorcycles, and other valuable items.
Reports indicate that the hoodlums, numbering around eight and operating in a Sienna bus, also chased away local traders and market women who were displaying their goods for sale. During their actions, they chanted, “No more markets in Igbo land…”
A video of the incident circulated on social media before journalists arrived at the scene, showing vehicles, motorcycles, stores, and other valuable items engulfed in flames, with residents fleeing for safety.
This marks the third attack on the area by hoodlums this year. The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the incident, with the police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, stating that the armed men, suspected to be members of IPOB/ESN (Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network), attacked commuter buses, tricycles, and motorcycles at Ezzangbo Junction. While property was destroyed, fortunately, no lives were lost. Police operatives have been dispatched to the scene to apprehend the perpetrators.
In a related development, the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for ending the illegal sit-at-home order in his state. Umahi expressed his gratitude during an inspection of a collapsed bridge at the Enugu end of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. He hailed the move as a significant step forward for the Igbo nation, noting that the sit-at-home had negative economic implications.
Enugu State had previously outlawed the sit-at-home order in June, citing its adverse effects on the economy.