Sit-at-home order: Troops kill four gunmen in Abia State

The 144 Battalion of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Abia State has killed four gunmen, who were attempting to enforce the sit-at-home order.

The men were killed on Wednesday around 2 pm at the Uratta, Aba axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

An eyewitness said the gunmen, were on black attires and marched through the popular streets and markets announcing to traders and residents of an emergency imposition of a two-day sit-at-home order slated for Wednesday and Thursday.

He stated that the gunmen warned residents about flouting the order and its consequences on the residents.

According to the eyewitness, the sit-at-home order was to disrupt President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned visit to Ebonyi State, on Thursday.

According to a witness, the hoodlums were on their way to announce the closure of shops and markets in line with the order, which created panic and forced a stampede in the locality.

He said that some shop owners shut down businesses as the hoodlums continue to march around and on getting to the Uratta Junction, they engaged soldiers in a gun battle.

In the exchange of bullets that ensued, four of the gunmen, including their leader, were reportedly killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

According to the Military source, who confirmed the incident some gunmen were killed in a face-off with soldiers of 144 battalion stationed at the Uratta axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

It was gathered that soldiers recovered some charms and a life tortoise from the killed suspected leader of the group.