Abakaliki, Nigeria – A member of the Ebonyi State Taskforce has been arrested after allegedly attacking and injuring a soldier at the International Market in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at Lot 2 of the market when the soldier, identified as Nwuzor Elias, refused to pay a ₦5,000 levy demanded by taskforce operatives.
Victim’s Account
Speaking from a hospital where he is receiving treatment, Elias recounted the ordeal, stating that he was assaulted despite identifying himself as a military personnel.
“I told them I was only at the market to buy something and was neither loading nor offloading goods. I identified myself as a soldier, but they dismissed it, saying I should go to Port Harcourt to continue my work and that they were also Biafran soldiers and IPOB members.”
He further explained that after the attack, he reported the incident at the military barracks, prompting an attempted crackdown on the taskforce members. However, many of them, including their chief security officer, fled upon learning of the military’s arrival.
Official Response
As of the time of filing this report, government officials have yet to comment on the incident. Authorities are, however, working to apprehend the remaining suspects.