Some markets and schools in Onitsha and environs closed abruptly yesterday afternoon following viral news of rumoured attack by gunmen in Ugwuagba Obosi and Ogbaru areas of the state.
Many schools in Awada area closed around 12 noon as parents ran to the school premises to pick their kids as the rumour gained momentum that the attackers were moving into Awada from Obosi axis.
At Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, Awada Nursery and Primary school, school children ran in different directions . The Parish Priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Augustine Oburota narrated the situation thus:
“There was chaos in schools across Awada today May 31 2022. It could be compared to the Madam Koi-koi scare many years ago in Enugu. Our pupils at Holy Infant Jesus, Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish Awada, suddenly began to run helter skelter . When I inquired, many were in shock and could only cry, until one teacher said it was unknown gun men scare. Many pupils rushed into the Frs’ House.
“It was indeed the noise from other schools around, with parents running to collect their children and wards, that led to the scare in our own school. Later, some children said it was armed robbers; thieves. I had to swing into action calming them down. I tried all sorts of ways to bring back their smiles. Some were so scared that they could only cry and yearn to be carried. An unsafe society is not what anybody prays for. And children are the greatest victims.” He said.
Onitsha electronics market and some sections of Ochanja market also closed shop following the scare.
Daily Sun on investigation gathered that there was pandemonium in parts of Amiyi community in Ogbaru area as soldiers in full military equipment swooped on the camp of the unknown gunmen located in the area.
A resident in the area told the reporter that there were sporadic gunshots which lasted for hours forcing many people to run into hiding in the area.
As at the time of filing this report, there is no further information whether some arrests were made in the area or report of casualties on both sides.
Police public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochi when contacted said he has not been briefed on any incident around the area.
Credit: Daily Sun