TheCable

The was pandemonium on Saturday when gunmen set ablaze the police criminal investigation department in Umuahia, Abia state capital.

Godfrey Ogbonna, police public relations officer in the state, confirmed the incident to NAN.

He said the facility, situated on the busy Uzuakoli Road, was attacked around 6pm.

According to NAN, there was a commotion when the news of the police station attack filtered to the area.

Markets and streets in the area were deserted over the fear of the situation spiralling out of control.

Street traders, hawkers, shop owners, motorists, tricycle operators, passersby and residents were said to have scampered for safety.

The attack also resulted in the closure of businesses in the area.

Many commuters, who were stranded following the disappearance of commercial vehicles from the major roads, walked long distances to their destinations.

The attack is coming on the same day the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) took effect.

The incident is the fourth police station attack in Abia state in May alone.