NGOZI OKORIE
THERE was pandemonium on Saturday in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, as hoodlums exchanged gunfire with soldiers of 14 Brigade, Army Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barracks.
Residents were gripped with panic and scampered for safety as sounds of heavy gunshots filled the air.
The residents, mainly indigenes of Elu, Amangwu, Ebem and Amaekpu, in Ohafia Local Government, reportedly fled to neighbouring villages in fear.
Six soldiers, including a member of the Eastern Security Network, were said to have been killed in the attack.
The panic-gripped residents have therefore called their representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives to come to their aid.
Many of the youths were said to have also fled their homes for other villages to avoid being taken away by security operatives.
It was learnt that some unknown gunmen killed six soldiers, which sparked the attacks.
A source told the media, “We have suffered all manner of intimidation from soldiers. Some of our kinsmen have relocated to Uzuakoli, Umuahia, Aba or anywhere they think that is safe for them. We are in the village but our right to movement is determined by soldiers.
“Marriage ceremonies which are supposed to take place soon have been shifted indefinitely. Soldiers went to market and started chasing people.”
“A lot of houses have been burnt at Amangwu Ohafia community. They said that members of ESN were using the houses as their hideout. That I can’t validate. You need to call anyone from Amangwu to validate such claims,” the source noted.
