News
Abia Boils As Innocent Youths Arrested Over Killing Of Soldiers
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot_20240601-195836.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There is palpable fear and apprehension among residents of Aba, Abia State following the Nigerian Army’s vow to avenge the death of its men and the attendant arrest of youths by Army officers.
On Friday, Governor Alex Otti placed a twenty-five million naira bounty for information that will lead to the capture of the hoodlums, encouraging Abia residents to go about their legitimate duties without fear.
He also encouraged the military personnel to exercise restraint at checkpoints, on patrol and other security duties.
However, despite the assurance by the Governor, there are reports that some youths in Aba were arrested by the Army on Friday while travellers were allegedly forced to disembark from vehicles, raise their arms in the air and trek for several meters, by military personnel at Umuikaa junction and some other military checkpoints around Aba.
The heavy security presence forced some motorists to meander through village routes to reconnect to their destinations.
To stay safe, many youths living or doing business around the Obikabia junction where the soldiers were killed, have either stayed indoors or fled the area, to avoid being arrested or intimidated.
A resident of Ogbo Hill who spoke on anonymity on Saturday said that many shops around the Obikabia junction where the Army officers were killed, remained locked or deserted by their owners, in fear of any possible reprisal by the Army.
The resident added that some markets in Aba on Saturday recorded a drop in the number of traders who usually came from outside the state.
According to the Ogbo Hill resident, “The vow by the Army to avenge the killing of its men is something that can’t be joked with.
“You know no innocent person will like to fall victim to the avowed revenge”, he said.
Reacting to the situation, the President of Ohanaeze Youths Council, OYC, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka described the killing of the Nigerian Army officers as barbaric.
The group, however, alleged that some innocent youths were either arrested or harassed in Aba and Obingwa by Army officers.
Igboayaka in an appeal to Governor Alex Otti, said ” We demand that those arrested on Friday, 31st May, 2024 in Aba and Obingwa LGA be released”.
Also, the former Governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu who is from Obingwa LGA, while condemning the killing of the Nigerian soldiers, called on the military operatives to exercise professionalism in search of the hoodlums.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kayode-Egbetokun1.jpg)
The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240726_155935-scaled.jpg)
News
Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG-20240726-WA0005.jpg)
-
News17 hours ago
Iwuanyanwu was a Heavyweight in all ramifications-Abaribe
-
News24 hours ago
Our Airports Must Be Efficiently Run—Rep Garba
-
News22 hours ago
We Can Conduct LG Elections If Given Responsibility – INEC Boss
-
News16 hours ago
Tinubu, Southern Govs Mourn Iwuanyanwu
-
News16 hours ago
Sokoto Governor, Aliyu’s Wife Holds Lavish Birthday As Guests Spray Dollar Notes On Her Amid Hunger, Hardship
-
News15 hours ago
Protest: President Tinubu In Closed-door Meeting With Traditional Rulers (Video)
-
News12 hours ago
Nationwide protest: ‘Airport Is Filled Up, Govs, Senators, Reps, Ministers Traveling Abroad’ — Fayose
-
News17 hours ago
I Participated In Peaceful Protests For Democracy – Tinubu