The Ebonyi State Government has directed all security agencies, including Ebubeagu Security Outfit (the South-East regional security agency) to neutralise any miscreant found with a gun or dangerous weapons in the state.

There was tension and palpable fear in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Monday following enforcement of a ‘sit-at-home’ order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Residents were seen scampering for safety along the old Enugu Expressway and Kpirikpiri axis over invasion by IPOB members who were rumoured to be shooting sporadically.

Shops, markets, and banks shut their operations following the shooting.

However, the Ebonyi State Government, in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji, said: “We direct all security agencies and Ebubeagu Security Outfit to neutralise any miscreant found with a gun and or dangerous weapon in the state.

“This is because government has noted the tension generated in the state on Monday over the purported `sit-at-home’ order by non-state actors and the apprehensions that followed the unfounded rumour.

“Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the rumour of the purported enforcement of the ‘sit-at-home’ order in the state.

READ ALSO: Naira gains slightly, exchanges at N446 to dollar

“It is false and nothing but a figment of the imaginations of enemies of the state fanned by opposition forces to scare law-abiding citizens.

“It is noteworthy to mention that no house was burnt and no killing was recorded in Ebonyi or any part thereof.

“The governor has directed security agencies and Ebubeagu Security outfit to constantly patrol Abakaliki and the various local government areas.

“Members of the public are enjoined to go about their normal businesses without fear. All markets, business centres and public places are to remain open.

“Suspicious movements should be promptly reported to the nearest police post or security checkpoint or call: 07013440807 or 07064515001

“Ebonyi is safe and all the antics of the enemies of the state must be resisted by Ebonyi people,” the commissioner stated.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm over the fear and tension generated by the ‘sit-at-home’ order.

The command’s spokesman, SP Chris Anyanwu, described the report of IPOB’s enforcement of the ‘sit-at-home order’, shootings and killings as rumour.

He stressed that there was no cause for alarm, saying: “Ebonyi is calm. If anything to the contrary is confirmed, I will come up with update and briefs.”

The Star