Following the killing of five soldiers in Aba, the state capital, the Nigerian Army has conducted raids in several communities in Abia State.
The soldiers were killed on May 30 by gunmen reportedly enforcing the sit-at-home directive issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The incident occurred when the gunmen attacked a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction in Aba Local Government Area (LGA).
On Friday, the army announced its intention to avenge the deaths of the soldiers. A resident of Isiala-Ngwa North LGA, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that military personnel have extended their search for the killers to neighboring areas around Aba.
The resident described the situation as the soldiers “taking over” his community and firing “sporadically in the air.” He added that people have been arrested, and many residents have fled the area.
“Since the soldiers were killed in Aba, there has been tension throughout Abia state. In Isiala-Ngwa, where I live, soldiers have taken over, arresting people and shooting sporadically in the air,” the resident told TheCable. “They said two of the soldiers killed during the sit-at-home enforcement were from Isiala-Ngwa North. As I speak, my community is deserted. People have fled to neighboring villages to seek refuge. The government needs to act quickly to address the situation. The heavy military presence is very intimidating and has brought commercial activities to a standstill.”
Another resident from the Osisioma community in Abia, who also requested anonymity, reported that soldiers have been patrolling the area and arresting local youths. This presence has also disrupted commercial activities in the community.
“Many youths from Osisioma have been arrested since Thursday, and as I speak, the community is deserted. There is a heavy presence of military personnel, and this has halted commercial activities because everyone is afraid to come out, let alone go to the market. This is terrible,” the resident told TheCable.
Attempts to contact Oyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
