By Kamsi Anayo
At least 15 persons suspected
members of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) involved in the shooting on July 4 at new market and Ishieke axis of Ebonyi state have been arrested.
The suspects were seen forcing people in a viral video, to obey the sit-at-home order issued by a rogue faction of the outlawed group led by the Finland based bandit, Simon Ekpa.
The unfortunate situation has stopped all residents from going about their normal businesses for seven days, from July 3 to 10.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Faleye Olayele told newsmen on Friday in Abakaliki that among the 15 suspects arrested from their hideouts, were two herbalists, Okwudili Otozi and Nnenna Ali.
“They have attacked our area commander and burnt our vehicle. They have been terrorizing the state. On July 4, they came to Ishieke firing sporadically and that was on Tuesday.
“I want to tell you that 15 of them have been apprehended, together with their herbalists. We recovered arms and charms of different kinds.
Olayele said that the suspects were preparing for another attack on Friday when they were arrested by the police.
“This shows that our officers are dedicated to their duties; the arrest was made possible by our men through the information we got,” he said,
He warned all criminal elements to steer clear of Ebonyi.
However, one of the herbalists told newsmen that he was forced to join the gang.
“I did not know that they wanted to operate in Ebonyi; they came to me and requested for medicine and I gave it to them, after which they forced me to join them to the bush for further preparations.
“Please, I was forced to follow them after I gave them the medicine,” Otozi said.
