This afternoon, 22nd April 2021, just after 2 pm, the tension that has hung over Enugu like a persistent black cloud was heightened when the sound of gunshots was reported. Our probing led us to the site of the shooting.
The incident took place in New Artisan, Premier Layout, Enugu for more than twenty minutes straight.
An earlier eyewitness reported that “People are abandoning shops and properties and running [for dear life].”
“I don’t know the details yet,” he confessed. No one has been reported hurt, so far.
New Artisan is outside the heart of Enugu City, at the end of the lush Independence Layout and the area that linked to Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. New Artisan has a concentration of Hausa indigenes and they are connected to the shooting.
According to later reports, the government of Enugu State due to the incessant robberies and killings in the New Artisan area decided to dislodge the place as the occupants were using the place without a permit. But when the demolition team came to carry out the difficult act, the Hausa community was said to have mobilized and began to shoot.
The demolition team and their escorts ran off.
Anambra Police Headquarters razed by unknown gunmen
Recall that in the wee hours of today, a police station in Adazi, Uzor Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, was attacked and at least two policemen killed. People in Enugu woke up to this news but still went on with their businesses believing the situation to be outside the city and unable to escalate to the capital.
This is gradually becoming the norm in this part of the country – people hear about violence nearby but continue about their businesses hoping it won’t reach them. This was the mood on Thursday for Enugu residents and as the day went by, it seemed they would get over the day without a major incident.
Then at just after 2 pm, gunshots began to rent the air.
The Hausa community was said to have gone beyond shooting in the air and went after properties and goods of non-Hausa people in the area. At least one person was stabbed. The Army was sent to quell the violence and one account said the Arewa community engaged the soldiers in a battle of gunfire.
Current Situation at New Artisan, there’s no clear/confirmed reason for the unrest but people are moving out of their homes.
— South East Connect (@Coal_City) April 22, 2021
They’re also destroying and burning properties there.
🎥 @The__Vyrus #CoalCityConnect pic.twitter.com/0l3QdJIuGQ
We are still monitoring the situation and would update this story as more information comes to light.
Connect with us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.