TThe viral video of shops burning in Eke-Ututu Market in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State last week, has been confirmed to be a security operation ordered by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

The Governor confirmed the reports on Wednesday, September 21, stating that it was a move to chase unknown gunmen who are also members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), from their hideouts.

The lawyer to IPOB leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had earlier blamed the Southeast Security Operatives known as Ebubeagu for the attack in a tweet he termed “Black Wednesday”.

However, Governor Uzodimma said the gunmen have contributed greatly to the increasing insecurity in the State, and has caused the death and injury of security operatives.

The Governor also revealed that the unknown gunmen have been collecting tax from traders in Eke-Ututu Market, which is illegal.

He also alleged that the gunmen only exchanged fire with the security operatives in the market in a bid to endanger the lives of innocent citizens.

Governor Uzodimma has however, promised to compensate the shop owners who suffered material losses in the course of the operation.