KILLERS ARRESTED? Tension Hits Abia As Soldiers Allegedly Arrest Several People, What They Did To Residents Shocked Everyone
![ALERT! Govt. Plans Punishment For Dirty Residents, Communities [DETAILS Inside]](https://i0.wp.com/heardvoicenewsonline.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot_20250116-043925.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
Abia State is currently in a state of unrest following the recent arrest and assault of numerous residents by soldiers, allegedly in retaliation for the killing of five soldiers by gunmen in Aba, the state’s commercial center.
The incident that sparked this tension occurred on Thursday morning when masked gunmen attacked and killed five soldiers at Obikabia Junction in Aba. The assailants also set the soldiers’ patrol truck on fire. The attackers were reportedly enforcing a sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to commemorate Biafra Day, an annual event in the South-east.
In response, the Nigerian military vowed to avenge the deaths of their comrades, leading to a series of arbitrary arrests and assaults on residents in the area. Arbitrary Arrests And Allegations Of Harassmen On Friday, a medical doctor named Rose Agwu publicly accused the soldiers of arresting her 15-year-old brother and sister. Agwu, who lives near the site of the Thursday attack, reported that soldiers invaded her home early Friday morning, breaking in and taking her siblings away, leaving only her elderly father behind.
“Till now, they have not been released. We are still trying to locate them. Please help us ask the Nigerian army the logical reason behind this and how they can account for all the people they took and their plans for them,” Agwu stated in a series of posts on social media. The siblings were later identified as Solomon and Rejoice.
A video clip circulating on social media further illustrates the situation, showing residents, primarily young women, being forced into military vans. Other young men were seen sitting on the ground being interrogated by soldiers. It remains unclear if these men were also arrested.
Widespread Harassment And Business Disruptions Reports have emerged of widespread harassment by soldiers since Friday. Residents, particularly around Osisioma Junction, have reported aggressive behavior from the military, which seems to be driven by anger over the killing of their colleagues.
“Even fighter jets have been flying around here. There’s serious tension, said a local resident, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal. Business activities have also been severely affected. According to Victor Akpuma, a resident of Aba, soldiers have prevented business owners from opening their shops in major markets, employing sporadic gunfire to enforce their orders. They said since we wanted to sit at home, we should continue sitting at home, “Akpuma recounted, describing the soldiers’ actions as a direct response to the IPOB sit-at-home order.
Military Response And Current Status When reached for comment, Lieutenant Innocent Omale, spokesperson for the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Ohafia, Abia State, confirmed the arrests but stated that all detainees, including Agwu’s siblings, had been released by Saturday.
“Everybody that was arrested or picked [by soldiers] yesterday [Friday] has been released, Omale said..
Agwu also confirmed the release of her siblings.
Regarding the reports of harassment and sporadic shootings, a military official acknowledged the heightened tension among soldiers following the killing of their colleagues. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the local population’s perceived support for the assailants contributed to the aggressive military response.
The situation in Abia State remains. tense, with residents and business owners anxious about further military actions and the overall stability of the region. The events highlight the fragile security dynamics in the South-east, where the military’s efforts to maintain order often collide with local sentiments and separatist movements.
