TENSION IN ABA AS SOLDIERS TAKE OVER CITY

TENSION IN ABA AS SOLDIERS TAKE OVER CITY

Tension has increased in Aba, Abia State, as military forces have taken control of the city in reaction to the tragic incident that claimed the lives of five soldiers at a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill.

The attack on the checkpoint, which left military vehicles and infrastructure destroyed and resulted in the deaths of those inside, was reportedly carried out by armed people who were reportedly enforcing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s directive to stay at home.

“The tension over the killing has increased with two military helicopters still hovering over the Ogbor Hill area and environs,” according to a source.

Because of the increased military presence, residents are reportedly nervous and taking safety precautions.

Soldier patrol teams have been seen by witnesses traveling quickly through residential areas, forcing residents to run for cover as they approach.

Additionally, there have been accounts of military personnel telling vendors to leave the area when they disperse crowds at different business hubs in Aba, such as the Cemetery, Ngwa Road, Nsulu Markets, and other areas.

Many schools have remained closed due to the ongoing unrest, and worried parents have chosen to keep their kids at home for safety.

The bustling Aba main motor park is a welcome diversion from the depressing vibe that permeates other parts of the city, especially in light of the current unrest.

Fearing possible retaliation from military forces, residents of neighborhoods like Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ehere, New Umuahia, Ururuka roads in Ogbor Hill, Obohia and Ohanku in Ndiegoro area, and surrounding areas, have chosen to stay indoors.

The Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway’s Aba-Umuahia segment is particularly noteworthy for its extensive fortification, with soldiers positioned at key locations to keep an eye on traffic flow.

While drivers have looked for alternate routes to avoid military checkpoints, passengers traveling along this route have been required to disembark at designated junctions and proceed on foot, raising their hands as a gesture of compliance.

Contacting Lt. Innocent Omale, the Army Public Relations Officer of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, for an update on the current state of affairs has not yielded a response.Messages sent to Lt. Omale’s mobile number went unanswered, leaving the public in the dark about the official military position on the current events in Aba.