By Parrot Newspaper Tension in Ebonyi as Soldier, Market Taskforce Clash Over N5,000 Levy
Violent Clash Erupts at Abakaliki International Market
There was chaos at Lot 2 International Market, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Wednesday after a confrontation between market ticket taskforce members and a Nigerian soldier escalated into violence.
The clash left the soldier, identified as Nwuzor Elias, and some taskforce members injured, triggering a swift military response.
What Sparked the Confrontation?
According to reports, the market taskforce approached Elias, demanding that he pay a ₦5,000 fee for loading and offloading goods. The soldier, who insisted he was only there to make purchases, refused, leading to a heated argument.
> “Ticket people just attacked me at International Market because I refused to give them ₦5,000 which they claimed was for loading and offloading,” Elias recounted.
He explained that he tried to clarify his purpose in the market, stating that he was not transporting any goods, but his explanation fell on deaf ears.
> “I told them that I’m not carrying anything and I’m not coming to carry anything, that I’m only here to buy something. I even identified myself as a soldier.”
“We Are Biafra Soldiers” – Taskforce Members Allegedly Boast
The situation quickly took a dramatic turn when the taskforce dismissed Elias’ military status.
> “They said nothing concerned them with being a soldier, that I should go to Port Harcourt and continue my soldier work, that they are also Biafra soldiers,” he claimed.
Before he could react, the taskforce members allegedly attacked him, leaving him injured.
> “Before I knew what was going on, they attacked me, injured me, and I am presently at a hospital in Abakaliki.”
Military Responds as Soldiers Storm Market
Following the attack, Elias reported the incident at the barracks, prompting a military intervention.
> “I went to the barracks and reported my case. The soldiers wanted to arrest all of them, but they ran away as soon as they heard about their coming, including their CSO.”
A team of soldiers stormed the market in search of the taskforce members. While most of them fled, the military arrested one suspect.
Market Tensions and Security Concerns
The incident at Abakaliki International Market has raised serious concerns about:
The legality of market levies imposed on traders and customers.
The rising influence of non-state actors in market security affairs.
The implications of unauthorized groups identifying as “Biafra soldiers.”
Security analysts warn that such clashes could escalate if not properly addressed.
Next Steps: Will There Be a Crackdown?
With the military now involved, it remains unclear whether there will be further arrests or a crackdown on the market taskforce operations.
Authorities in Ebonyi State are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
For updates on this developing story, stay with Parrot Newspaper – News That Talks to You.