Four days after the killing of five soldiers by unknown gunmen at Obikabia junction in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, residents of the city remain fearful of potential reprisals by the military.
Despite Governor Alex Otti urging residents during a high-level security meeting with military authorities to continue their daily activities without fear of harassment, many inhabitants of the Obikabia area have started relocating to other parts of the city. Concerns about arrests by soldiers continue to persist.
There have been reports of soldiers conducting raids in certain areas, leading to the arrest of several suspects.
Additionally, soldiers have reportedly stormed the Eziukwu and Ngwa Road markets, ordering traders to vacate the premises.
Traffic in the Ogbor Hill area, particularly on roads such as Ehere, Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ururuka, New Umuahia, and Obikabia, has significantly decreased as residents prefer to stay indoors.
In contrast, the Aba main motor park remains bustling with activity, especially around the Milverton Avenue area, a key hub for luxury bus services catering to passengers traveling to the northern regions and Lagos. Many residents near Obikabia junction and its surrounding areas have relocated due to safety concerns.
Military checkpoints at Emelogu junction, Bata junction, and Asa Road have been abandoned by soldiers.
Allegations have surfaced that soldiers are mistreating passengers at various junctions, including Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa, and Ntigha, along the Aba – Umuahia section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway. However, a motorist named Sunny reported to Vanguard that such humiliations have ceased.
Sunny explained, “At the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa, and Ntigha junctions on the expressway, passengers were previously ordered to alight and raise their hands before passing the barricade. The Aro Ngwa junction was completely blocked, forcing motorists to use local routes. The situation is gradually improving, although at Umuikaa junction, soldiers are still requiring passengers to raise their hands. We condemn the killing of the five soldiers but urge the Army not to subject innocent motorists to undue suffering.” He told Vanguard.
Attempts to obtain a response from Lt. Innocent Omale, the Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade in Ohafia, were unsuccessful as he did not reply to text messages sent to his phone.
