Two people were reportedly killed, and several others injured during a clash between local vigilantes and police officers at Izuchukwu Junction along the Nnobi/Nnewi Road on Wednesday night. The confrontation, which occurred around 7 PM, sparked chaos in the area, with eyewitnesses describing a vehicle engulfed in flames after stray bullets struck its fuel tank.

An eyewitness recounted, “Security operatives began shooting at each other suddenly. Two bystanders were hit by stray bullets and collapsed, bleeding heavily. People scattered, fearing for their lives. Many initially thought it was an attack linked to the upcoming burial of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi.”

The incident was captured in videos circulating on social media, with narrators providing real-time descriptions of the chaotic scene.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning, explaining the events leading to the altercation. According to Ikenga, local vigilante operatives mistook the police for hostile forces and initiated the gunfire.

“The misunderstanding arose when local security forces mistook police personnel for adversaries and attacked them. The incident had no connection with non-state actors or any attempt to disrupt Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s burial,” SP Ikenga clarified.

He further explained that police operatives had been trailing a suspect to a checkpoint when the gunfight erupted. During the exchange, stray bullets hit the fuel tank of a Toyota Venza Sedan, causing it to explode. Two innocent bystanders sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

SP Ikenga assured residents of Nnewi of their safety during the burial activities, noting that joint security forces have been deployed to maintain peace and order throughout the ceremonies. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.