Two people were feared killed, and several others injured when local security operatives and policemen exchanged gunfire at Izuchukwu Junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road in Anambra State on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses said the clash, which occurred around 7 pm, caused panic in the area. A vehicle caught fire during the incident after bullets struck its fuel tank, creating more chaos.
One witness said, “The incident happened last night. Security operatives suddenly started shooting at each other. Two passers-by were hit by bullets, and a vehicle burned when its fuel tank was hit. People ran for safety, and no one knew the cause.”
Videos shared online showed the aftermath of the clash, with voices narrating the confusion.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident on Thursday through its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.
He explained that local security forces mistook police operatives for “unfriendly forces,” leading to the gunfight.
Ikenga said, “The command is aware of the shooting incident at Izuchukwu Junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road. Security operatives mistook police operatives for unfriendly forces and opened fire.
“Preliminary information shows that police were investigating a suspect and trailed them to a security checkpoint before the shooting began. Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza Sedan, which caught fire. Two innocent passers-by were injured and taken to the hospital.”
He added that the incident was not an attack by non-state actors or an attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ikenga urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that Joint Security Forces have been deployed to maintain peace in Nnewi during the burial ceremonies.
“The command sues for calm and will ensure a full investigation into the matter,” Ikenga said.
