Movement of vehicles and passengers along the Enugu-Abakaliki highway in the south-east was disrupted on Tuesday, following heavy shooting at the Ezilo axis of the highway by gunmen.
Two persons were killed on Monday in a renewed boundary dispute between Ezzilo community and neighboring Iyionu community in Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi state.
It could not be immediately established if the shooting had any connection with the dispute.
A passenger who was travelling to Enugu said travellers were stranded at Okpoto for about one hour.
He said military vehicles were patrolling the highway, but that motorists were advised not to get into the road.
“Many people are looking for another route to take. Some have gone back to take Afikpo road. I am looking for a way to go back to Abakaliki,” he said.
Police spokesperson in Ebonyi state, Loveth Odah, who confirmed the development said the Police Commissioner, Aliyu Garba, has dispatched police patrol teams to restore peace and open up the road for users.
She, however, said the shooting could not be related to the boundary dispute as the disputed area is not close to the highway.
Governor David Umahi earlier confirmed the killing of two persons in the dispute, after a securitycouncil meeting in Abakaliki.
