An altercation broke out this morning, 23 August 2020, at Emene, allegedly involving local separatist group IPOB and the Nigerian Security forces, witnesses said.

The confrontation resulted in shooting which left three dead, eyewitnesses alleged.

Enugu Metro learnt that police personnel broke into a meeting of youths at Community Secondary School, Emene, and attempted to disperse them.

IPOB allegedly refused to budge, leading to a physical confrontation that resulted in fatalities.

Emene is a suburb of Enugu hosting the Akanu Ibiam International Aairport, due for reopening in eight days.

Witnesses said the police called for reinforcements leading to arrival of truckload of military police and plain security to beef up firepower.

Those who spoke to Enugu News could not however explain why the situation deteriorated to shootings.

Police Spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, was unavailable to take Enugu Metro‘s calls to comment on the incident.

The town of Emene was wearing a sombre look when Enugu Metro came calling, and several witnesses corroborated the incident and the shooting.

Security has been tightened in the area, as operatives restrict movement and search vehicles for fleeeing IPOB members.

The Emene area has become a beehive of quarrels and finger-pointing, days to the reopening of the Enugu International Airport.

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