Killing of five soldiers in Aba: Residents relocate over fear of reprisal attack

Four days after the killing of five soldiers by unknown gunmen at Obikabia junction in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, residents of the city are still afraid of reprisal by soldiers.

Though Governor Alex Otti had during an expensive security meeting with the military authorities, urged residents to go about their duties without fear of molestation , but  residents of the Obikabia area have continued to relocate to other areas. Others are still afraid of arrest by the soldiers.

Soldiers were alleged to have invaded some areas where they arrested some suspects. The soldiers also invaded Eziukwu and Ngwa road  markets in the city and ordered traders to leave.

Some roads in Ogbor Hill area like Ehere, Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ururuka, New Umuahia and Obikabia roads have witnessed fewer traffic as residents have remained indoors.

However, the Aba main motor park has continued to witness beehive of activities , especially the Milverton Avenue area which is the hub of luxury bus business for passengers travelling to the North and Lagos areas. Residents of the Obikabia junction and environs have relocated to other areas

Vanguard observed that soldiers have deserted all the military checkpoints located at Emelogu junction, Bata junction and Asa road.

It was also alleged passengers were being humiliated by soldiers who barricaded the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha junctions along the Aba – Umuahia section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway.

A motorist who gave his name as Sunny told Vanguard that humiliation of passengers by soldiers has been stopped.

He said;”At the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha junctions on the expressway, passengers are ordered to alight and raise their hands before passing the barricade. The Aro Ngwa junction was completely blocked, motorists passed through local routes. But the situation is gradually easing off except at Umuikaa junction where soldiers are still forcing passengers to raise hands. We condemn the killing of the 5 soldiers but the Army should ensure that innocent motorists should not be made to suffer for what they dont know.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the Public Relations Officer,14 Brigade,Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, was unsuccessful as he did not respond to text message sent to his phone number.