Some unknown gunmen have caused a stampede among members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Amakohia in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during Mass celebration.

The gunmen were matching on the street of Amakohia/Orlu road in their numbers, wearing black attires and masks.

According to our state correspondent, they were matching freely and shooting sporadically in the air to scare people away including the police and army.

The parade caused serious stampede both at the church and Amakohia modern market as people scampered for safety.

However, the church gate was immediately locked to prevent the gun-wielding men from gaining entrance into the premises.

The parade lasted for about 40 minutes and caused motorists and pedestrians to use alternative routes to their destinations.

Further reports said the gunmen were also spotted at Orji axis of Owerri and Spibat road, where they shot continuously in the air.

Meanwhile, no casualties were recorded as residents were of the view that their targets were the police and army.