The arrest of 15 people suspected of involvement in the shooting on Tuesday in the new market and Ishieke axis of the state by purported IPOB members was revealed by the Ebonyi Police on Friday.

Many residents were prevented from leaving their houses when the suspects shot randomly at them while trying to implement the seven-day sit-at-home order issued by IPOB.

In Abakaliki, the state’s police commissioner, Mr. Faleye Olayele, informed reporters that two herbalists, Okwudili Otozi and Nnenna Ali, were among the 15 suspects who had been taken into custody after being found hiding out.

Our truck was burned, and they assaulted our area commander. Statewide terror has been perpetrated by them. They arrived at Ishieke on Tuesday, July 4, and they were firing randomly at the time.

“I’d like to inform you that 15 of them, together with their herbalists, have been detained. In addition to weapons, we also found other charms.

Olayele claimed that on Friday, when the suspects were apprehended by the police, they were allegedly preparing for a new assault.

The arrest was made possible by our guys thanks to the information we received, demonstrating the commitment of our officers to their jobs.

The police said one of the herbalists detained said he was coerced into joining the gang, urging all criminal elements to stay away from Ebonyi.

“I had no idea that they were about to conduct an operation in Ebonyi; they came to me and asked for medicine, which I gave to them, and then they compelled me to go with them into the bush to continue their preparations.

As soon as I administered the medication, I was compelled to obey them, Otozi pleaded. NAN