Five Soldiers Feared Killed In Anambra

Five soldiers were feared killed and their operational vehicle
destroyed by unidentified gunmen in Ihiala, Anambra State.

The incident happened Friday night along Owerri -Onitsha road at
one of the checkpoints.

As a result, the bridge head in Onitsha is currently blocked by
security operatives, a situation that has stopped commuters from
going outside the State.

Also, commuters from Enugu State are being stopped at Amansea
boundary of the two States, while the soldiers are conducting stop
and search on every vehicle.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had
issued a warning that Ndigbo should observe sit-at-home on
Monday.

The directive had crippled activities in the region with the
majority of schools closed, while residents had embarked on panic
buying.

When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations
Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident.

However, he did not confirm the number of casualties but said
the operational vehicle of the soldiers was destroyed.

He said the command was still investigating the matter, adding
that at the appropriate time, the public would know.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State government has banned the use of
tricycles and shuttle buses from operating between 7pm-6am

Governor Willie Obiano, said Saturday, it was In view of the
need to improve security in the State and address observed
incidents of crimes using tricycles, motorcycles and shuttle
buses.

In a statement made available to reporters in Awka and signed by
the Secretary to the State government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said
shuttle buses were also banned from using tinted glasses.

According to the government, “that the earlier ban on the use of
motorcycles in greater Onitsha and Awka areas during the day and
night, remains in full force. Any motorcycle found within these
areas will be impounded and forfeited;

“That the use of motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses across
the State is now banned between 7pm and 6am daily with effect from
Saturday 29th May 2021 and for one month in the first instance;

“That shuttle buses are henceforth banned from using tinted
glasses or curtains while plying on Anambra roads.

“All other vehicles either with factory fitted tinted glasses or
plain glasses must wind down while approaching any security
checkpoint to avoid embarrassment;

“Henceforth, any community where Keke is used to Rob or commit
any crime, the use of Keke will be banned totally in that area and
the union exco sanctioned. The same measures will be applied in the
case of shuttle buses and motorcycles.

“Government hereby directs full mobilisation of community youths
and stakeholders across the state to take ownership of security in
their immediate environments and assist the Police and other Law
enforcement Agents to enforce these directives and quickly restore
law and order in our State,” Obiano said.

Five soldiers were feared killed and their operational vehicle
destroyed by unidentified gunmen in Ihiala, Anambra State.

The incident happened Friday night along Owerri -Onitsha road at
one of the checkpoints.

As a result, the bridge head in Onitsha is currently blocked by
security operatives, a situation that has stopped commuters from
going outside the State.

Also, commuters from Enugu State are being stopped at Amansea
boundary of the two States, while the soldiers are conducting stop
and search on every vehicle.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had
issued a warning that Ndigbo should observe sit-at-home on
Monday.

The directive had crippled activities in the region with the
majority of schools closed, while residents had embarked on panic
buying.

When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations
Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident.

However, he did not confirm the number of casualties but said
the operational vehicle of the soldiers was destroyed.

He said the command was still investigating the matter, adding
that at the appropriate time, the public would know.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State government has banned the use of
tricycles and shuttle buses from operating between 7pm-6am

Governor Willie Obiano, said Saturday, it was In view of the
need to improve security in the State and address observed
incidents of crimes using tricycles, motorcycles and shuttle
buses.

In a statement made available to reporters in Awka and signed by
the Secretary to the State government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said
shuttle buses were also banned from using tinted glasses.

According to the government, “that the earlier ban on the use of
motorcycles in greater Onitsha and Awka areas during the day and
night, remains in full force. Any motorcycle found within these
areas will be impounded and forfeited;

“That the use of motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses across
the State is now banned between 7pm and 6am daily with effect from
Saturday 29th May 2021 and for one month in the first instance;

“That shuttle buses are henceforth banned from using tinted
glasses or curtains while plying on Anambra roads.

“All other vehicles either with factory fitted tinted glasses or
plain glasses must wind down while approaching any security
checkpoint to avoid embarrassment;

“Henceforth, any community where Keke is used to Rob or commit
any crime, the use of Keke will be banned totally in that area and
the union exco sanctioned. The same measures will be applied in the
case of shuttle buses and motorcycles.

“Government hereby directs full mobilisation of community youths
and stakeholders across the state to take ownership of security in
their immediate environments and assist the Police and other Law
enforcement Agents to enforce these directives and quickly restore
law and order in our State,” Obiano said.