There was fear at Obom Anara in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State as operatives of the Ebubeagu security outfit raided spots of dealers of hard drugs in the community.
Our correspondent, who was caught in the melee, gathered that the security operatives heeded a call from a local youth group that complained that the activities of the drug dealers had been attracting criminals to their community.
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The security situation was worsened by the enforcement of the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Although IPOB later denied making the order, residents stayed at home while shops and markets were under lock and key in Owerri, the state capital, and its environs.
The presence of the security operatives caused a scare at the Anara Motor Park as passengers and motorists scampered.
The scenario reverberated in nearby villages as traders at the Ekezeala Market abandoned their wares and fled.
It took hours for the Ebubeagu operatives themselves who alighted from their operational vehicles to calm them.
They told the traders that they were not criminal gunmen but security operatives on lawful duty.
They showed the traders the culprits they apprehended together with their bicycles.
Effort to get the police spokesman in the state, CSP Michael Abatham, to comment on the situation was unsuccessful.
Daily Trust further reports that IPOB had declared a sit-at-home for yesterday in solidarity with their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was scheduled to appear in an Abuja high court for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on treasonable felony.
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