Gunmen, suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed with security operatives on Monday, in Ikot Akpan community in Essien Udik local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
The incident, has thrown the residents into panic and fear as many are afraid of their persona safety.
According to reports, the IPOB members overwhelmed the security operatives who were deployed to check them and subsequently hoisted a Biafra flag in the area to announce their presence.
While it lasted, the gunmen attacked the palace of the village head of Ukana Uwa West clan of Essien Udim and burnt operational vehicles belonging to security agents.
According to sources, trouble started when gunmen, suspected to be IPOB members clashed with security agents and burnt some of their vehicles earlier on Monday.
Following this action, Police officers were deployed to neutralize the IPOB members who were accused of masterminding coordinated attacks on police posts and the killing of some police Officers in the state.
When the Police invaded the camp of the gunmen on Monday afternoon in Hilux vans to carry out reprisal action, they were repelled by the invading gunmen and chased out of the camp.
This development threw the community into panic as some residents quickly deserted their homes to take refuge elsewhere unsure of what will happen next.
The Police is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.
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