Residents of Aba in Turmoil Following Reprisal Attacks by Soldiers

 Residents of Aba, Abia State, are reeling from losses following reprisal attacks by soldiers in response to the killing of five of their colleagues at Obikabia Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, on Thursday, May 30.

Unknown gunmen had attacked the military checkpoint at the junction, killing the soldiers and setting two patrol vans and the checkpoint ablaze. In retaliation, soldiers stormed Aba and its environs, assaulting and arresting motorists and residents indiscriminately. Raids and arrests continue, creating a climate of fear that has driven many residents to remain indoors.

The situation was further exacerbated by the presence of two military helicopters hovering over Aba three days after the incident. Despite assurances from Governor Alex Otti, urging innocent residents to go about their normal duties without fear of molestation, many remain too scared to venture outside, fearing attack or arrest by soldiers.

Nightlife in Aba, which had been gradually reviving, has come to a halt. Residents, motorists, and business owners now rush home by 6:30 PM daily. One week after the attack, many businesses in the Ogbor Hill area remain closed, fearing further reprisals. Even churches in the Obikabia axis have suspended activities, fearing arrests by soldiers.

Reports indicate that soldiers have invaded markets and business centers, ordering traders and business owners to leave. Shops around the Obikabia Junction area, which leads to several neighborhoods, have been abandoned.

A restaurant owner, Mama Uche, reported losing over N200,000 as food ingredients spoiled when she fled her shop during a military raid. A trader at the Cemetery Market lamented losing a contract to supply goods due to the abrupt market closure and alleged border shutdown by soldiers.

Hotels and recreational spots were also targeted. Soldiers invaded hotels, especially in Ogbor Hill, arresting lodgers and staff. A laundry operator at a new hotel on Ukaegbu Road described how soldiers ransacked rooms and detained everyone, later screening and releasing some, while others remain in custody.

Reports of alleged passenger humiliation at military checkpoints along the Aba–Umuahia section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway have emerged. Motorists report being forced to alight and raise their hands before passing barricades, with some suspected individuals being arrested.

Governor Otti has urged the military to release innocent persons detained in connection with the incident. However, human rights group Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) condemned both the killing of soldiers and the alleged torture, illegal arrests, and detentions by the military.

FENRAD criticized the forced market closures as excessive and urged the military to adhere to rules of engagement, even in times of conflict. They called on Governor Otti to restore calm and prevent the heavy military presence from scaring away investors.

Efforts to get a response from the military authorities through the spokesman for the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to messages.