There was utter confusion in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Monday as gunmen stormed the streets, shooting sporadically into the air.
It was gathered that the fracas started around 9 am, forcing traders to close their shops, while schoolchildren ran home.
Commuters were seen alighting from public transports to seek cover as gunshots rented the air.
TPCN gathered that the uproar affected the Christ Church, Aba-Owerri road, Akwakuma and Irete areas of the state.
Other affected areas include Wethral road, Mbaise road, and Douglas road.
Traders at the multi-million, Owerri Auto-mobile market, the Alaba International market and Naze Cluster markets quickly closed their shops and locked the entrances leading to the market.
Banks and government offices also locked the entrances into their various premises as many ran for their lives.
The cause of the situation is not yet known, as Police in the state is yet to give comments.
However, security operatives have since taken over major roads in the state to ensure law and order.