One Person Killed As Army, IPOB Exchange Gunfire In Imo

One person has been killed in a gun duel between the army operatives and suspected members of the IPOB Eastern Security Network in Imo State.

The incident was said to have occurred in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the exchange of gunfire to Channels Television.

Ikeokwu however said he cannot confirm the number of casualties, adding that he is yet to get full details of the incident.

Eyewitness account and some residents of Orlu disclosed that there is pandemonium and panic as there are sporadic shootings everywhere which may have led to the death of one or more persons and setting ablaze several shops and houses.

The source added that many residents had to scamper for safety while schools and markets have been shut for fear of being hit by a stray bullets.

According to sources, the incident is occasioned by the alleged killing of a military officer and police personnel, by suspected members of the IPOB Eastern Security Network a few days ago.

All efforts to get through to the Army Commander 34 artillery brigade Imo State and the Army Public relations officer in Imo state proved abortive.

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew (6pm to 6am ) on eight local government areas in the state following the eruption of crisis and killings in the area.

The affected local government are Orlu, Oru East, Orsu Ideato North, Ideato south, Nkwerre, Njaba, Isu and Nwangele.