Aba Residents relocate over fear of revenge attack after killing of 5 soldiers

Four days after the killing of five soldiers by unknown gunmen at Obikabia Junction in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, residents remain fearful of military reprisals.

Despite Governor Alex Otti’s reassurances during a high-level security meeting with military authorities, urging residents to carry on with their daily activities without fear, many in the Obikabia area have relocated to other parts of the city. Others remain apprehensive about potential arrests by soldiers.

Reports indicate that soldiers have conducted raids in various areas, arresting several suspects. They have also disrupted activities at Eziukwu and Ngwa Road markets, ordering traders to vacate. Consequently, traffic on roads in Ogbor Hill, such as Ehere, Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ururuka, New Umuahia, and Obikabia, has significantly decreased as residents stay indoors.

Conversely, the Aba main motor park, particularly the Milverton Avenue area, continues to bustle, serving as a hub for luxury bus passengers traveling to the North and Lagos.

Observations reveal that military checkpoints at Emelogu Junction, Bata Junction, and Asa Road have been abandoned by soldiers. There have also been allegations of soldiers humiliating passengers at barricades set up at Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa, and Ntigha junctions along the Aba-Umuahia section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. A motorist named Sunny reported that while the harassment of passengers has decreased, some issues persist, especially at Umuikaa Junction.

“At the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa, and Ntigha junctions on the expressway, passengers were ordered to alight and raise their hands before passing the barricade. Aro Ngwa Junction was completely blocked, forcing motorists to use local routes. The situation is gradually improving, but at Umuikaa Junction, soldiers still force passengers to raise their hands. We condemn the killing of the five soldiers, but the Army should ensure that innocent motorists are not punished for what they don’t know,” Sunny stated.

Attempts to contact Lt. Innocent Omale, the Public Relations Officer of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to messages.