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Deadly Mix-Up: Security Forces Clash in Anambra After Mistaking Each Other for IPOB Militants

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 21st, 2024.

Deadly Mix-Up: Security Forces Clash in Anambra After Mistaking Each Other for IPOB Militants

Security forces in Anambra engaged in a gunfight on Wednesday after both sides mistakenly identified each other as members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), leading to a confrontation in Nnewi.

The incident occurred in Nnewi, the hometown of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who tragically passed away in London on July 27.

Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, clarified in Awka that the clash began when one security group erroneously identified police officers as hostile elements.

Ikenga emphasized that the exchange of gunfire was unrelated to any efforts to disrupt the senator’s funeral, contrary to some reports.

“The incident took place at Izuchukwu Junction on the Nnobi-Nnewi road around 7 pm on Wednesday,” Ikenga explained. “Security personnel mistakenly opened fire on police officers, thinking they were enemy forces.”

He continued, “We want to assure the public that this was not an attack by non-state actors, nor was it an attempt to interfere with the funeral of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.”

According to initial reports, the security operatives were pursuing a suspect when the misunderstanding escalated into a firefight. During the exchange, bullets struck the fuel tank of a police vehicle, a Toyota Venza Sedan, which was later engulfed in flames.

Two bystanders were injured in the crossfire and have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Ikenga urged the public to remain calm as an investigation into the incident unfolds.

“Additional security personnel have been deployed to ensure peace and order in Nnewi during the senator’s funeral,” he added.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is scheduled to be laid to rest in his home in Otolo, Nne

wi, on November 22.