Nigerian Army Soldiers Issue "Unauthorized" Orders in Aba, Abia State

Last week, Governor of Abia State Theodore Orji has vowed to fight kidnapping and provide adequate security and sanitation measures for the residents. To implement the plan, Nigerian Army soldiers were deployed to Abia State's major trading center, the city of Aba, to curb criminal activities.

Despite the seemingly good intentions, the relationship between Abia State dwellers and the Army is strained. In his letter to Legit.ng, a reader who wished to stay anonymous says residents of Aba are unhappy with some of the Army's "innovations".

Initially, our reader admits, residents of Aba were happy with the development - until the soldiers started infringing on peoples' rights and freedoms.

Particularly confusing, he says, is the case of Keke Napep (commercial trycicle) movement restriction. Initially, the Abia State authorities have banned the operations from 9 p.m., and people have adjusted to the new order. However, two weeks ago, the army representatives stationed in Aba metropolis have imposed yet another restriction, this time banning the movement from 7 p.m., thus paralyzing business activities and inflicting hardship to residents.

Moreover, our reader says, many Keke Napep trycicles were damaged and impounded both by the soldiers and Aba police.

Last week, the Abia State government has denied issuing an order that restricts the movement from as early as 7 p.m. and queried as to who might have given such instructions withouth the knowledge and consent of the governor.

The people of Aba, our reader says, think that Army officials should be questioned and hold responsible for this controversy, and ask the Defence Headquarters to investigate the matter. Also, he suggests that the soldiers' activities should be watched over by the government.

In a related development, almost 500 persons were detained by the military forces in Ukwa West local government area of Abia State on allegations that they are members of Boko Haram. Also last week, there was a bomb scare in Aba, with the residents alleging that Boko Haram might have infiltrated the city. The police described the rumours as untrue, but the security measures were boosted in the area.

Source: Legit.ng