At least two persons were killed at Awo Omamma Community in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State when unknown gunmen attacked the popular Afor Awo Market on Wednesday.
Sources said eight other persons were wounded as traders and buyers scampered for safety following the sporadic gunshots by the gunmen.
The gunmen were reportedly chasing a man said to be a member of their gang.
Among the people killed during the invasion was a boy of about six years another trader later died at the hospital.
The shooting forced the panicky traders to close their shops and race back home.
It was gathered that the hoodlums had gone for a kidnap operation but one of them ran away with the ransom running into millions.
It was alleged that he used part of the money to acquire an expensive, began building a house and was living large in the community.
However, his gang members traced him to the village, cornered him and shot him. However, he drove towards the market where he stopped and ran into for cover before the gang members gave him a chase.