Armed men on motorcycles, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, on Saturday entered Ebenebe community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State and ordered residents to close their shops in observance of Biafra Day.
The group, believed to be linked to separatist activities, appeared in the area during the annual Biafra Day remembrance, which is marked on May 30 by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to honour those who died in the Nigeria–Biafra civil war.
According to eyewitnesses, about five armed men rode into the community around 10 a.m., moving through the streets while instructing traders to shut down their businesses for the day.
Residents said the sudden arrival of the men caused panic, forcing many shop owners to quickly close and flee for safety.
One eyewitness explained that the men initially did not attack anyone but calmly told people to comply, saying shops could reopen later in the day.
“They told us to close our shops and said we could reopen by 4 p.m. But people were already afraid and started running everywhere,” the source said.
Shortly after they left, gunshots were heard in parts of the community, causing fresh panic among residents.
The source added that security operatives from the Agunechemba Security Outfit later engaged the armed men in a gun battle after they reportedly returned to the area.
“There was heavy shooting. At some point, we thought it had stopped, but later they came back again and exchanged fire with the security men,” the eyewitness said.
He explained that the situation remained tense throughout the day, with repeated gunfire forcing residents to stay indoors.
“As I speak, everywhere is quiet but very scary. People are inside their homes because they are afraid of stray bullets,” he added.
It was not yet confirmed if there were any casualties from the clash, and the identity of the armed men remains unclear.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Agunechemba Security Outfit, Comrade Nweke Nweke, were unsuccessful as his phone lines could not be reached.
Authorities in Anambra State Police Command had also not released an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.