Ebonyi State Police Command Friday arrested two herbalists, and 13 other suspects over the shooting at Ishieke market in Ebonyi Local Government Area (LGA) on Tuesday.
The suspects were also said to be responsible for the burning of a police patrol van at Ukwuagba Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA last Sunday.
Recall that the shootings in Ebonyi state according to the gunmen in the viral video was to enforce the one-week sit-at-home ordered by Finland-based Simon Ekpa of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Faleye Olayele, told reporters in Abakaliki after the operation that the suspects were arrested from their hideout.
“They have attacked our area commander and burnt our vehicle. They have been terrorising the state. On July 4, they came to Ishieke firing sporadically and that was on Tuesday.
“I want to tell you Today, that 15 of them have been apprehended, even with their herbalists. We recovered arms and charms of different kinds.
“They were preparing for another attack today, Friday when our men got information and all of them were captured.
“This shows that our officers are dedicated to duty. The arrest was made possible by our men through the information we got and God, who supported them.
“To God be the glory for the breakthrough.
“Like I earlier said and warned these criminal elements to steer clear of Ebonyi when I came in February. A lot of success has been made and we thank God,” the CP stated.
One of the suspects, Okwudili Otozi, male, who worked as an herbalist said he was not aware of the series of attacks on the residents in the state.
“I did not know that they want to operate in Ebonyi. They came to me and requested my medicine and gave it to them, after it they forced me to join them in the bush for further preparations.
