A combined team of Nigerian police and soldiers have killed no less than eleven persons at Afor Enyiogwugu, Mbaise for stealing onions.
Residents said that a truck filled with onions was demobilised by unknown gunmen, forcing residents to cart away bags of onions from the truck.
However, a combined team of soldiers and police came to the scene and they began shooting at anything that they saw.
A source who didn’t want to be named said he counted at least three dead bodies, adding that some people with bullet wounds died in the bush and at home for fear of being arrested inside the hospitals.
Another source who spoke on the conditions of anonymity said eleven persons were shot dead by soldiers close to the market while another teenager was shot while riding on a motorcycle.
Bala Elkana, the public relations officer of the Imo State Police Command said in a Police Situation Report (SITREP) that those killed at the market were ESN/IPOB members who allegedly killed Ahmed Gulak, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress earlier on Sunday.
According to him, security operatives had interviewed the driver of the vehicle conveying Gulak to the airport where he disclosed the militants moved in a Toyota Camry 2005 Silver colour, Toyota Sienna 1998 Model Gold Color, Toyota Hilux White colour and Lexus RX 330 Gold Color.
The report explained that Police teams from the Special Forces, PMF, IRT, and Imo State Command Tactical Units were directed to immediately proceed on patrol and look for the vehicles.
It further explained that at Afor Enyi Ogwugu junction, the Police teams came in contact with the criminals.
The report said the fighters had confiscated a trailer loaded with onions from the North and were sharing them with locals. They took positions to protect themselves and attack any government agents.
The gunmen upon sighting the security teams immediately opened fire on the teams and the teams returned fire.
Ten of the hoodlums died during the gun battle while others were pursued as they escaped.
“3 of the Four Vehicles Toyota Sienna, Toyota Hilux and Toyota Camry used by the IPOB/ESN Terrorist for their Operation were demobilized/recovered.
“7 of the terrorists with bullet wounds were completely burnt inside the Toyota Sienna and Hilux vehicles that caught fire during the gun battle”, the Sitrep read.
Three AK-47 rifles, one English Pistol, five AK-47 magazines, 92 AK-47 ammunition, several charms and three operational vehicles of the IPOB and ESN were recovered.
