Gunmen in military uniforms kill seven suya sellers in Imo

There was pandemonium in Imo on Friday  and Saturday as unknown gunmen murdered about seven suya sellers in Orlu and Umuaka in the Njaba Local Government Area of the state.

The Punch reported that the suspected murders were dressed in military khaki and numbered more than seven. They stormed the Afor Umuaka Market late in the night, accosted the victims in their shops and shot them.

The findings further reveals that the victims were predominantly youths and has lived in the area for many years without any attack from any member of the community.

In a statement released by the Imo State Coordinator of Hausa traders, Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkadir, he confirmed that the first incident happened on Friday when gunmen in a sienna car emerged from nowhere and shot at them.

Abdulkadir stated that Hausa traders in Orlu now live in fear as some had relocated to Owerri.

“Actually, this thing started since on April 2. I was called that three persons had been killed by some men operating in a Siena car. The victims were suya sellers and were killed just as they were closing their shop in the night.

“Just as we were about to handle the situation, yesterday (Saturday) I was called again that four persons were killed by the same people.”

The SSA to the Governor on Gender, Vulnerable Groups, Northern Affairs (Men) while reacting said that the Governor was poised by the incident and already directed security agencies to intervene.

“We have just finished a meeting with government officials and head of security agencies in the state. They’ve intervened in the matter to ensure that peace reigns. We cannot continue like this. We must nip this in the bud for the peace and security of our country,” Sulaiman stated.

Sulaiman assured the Northern community of justice and the commitment of the state in stopping the attack.