Information reaching 247ureports.com indicates that Umuahia has got fire resulting from an unfolding fracas in an area called Isigate in Umuahia metropolis in Abia State. According to eyewitness information, two soldiers stationed at the Isigate area had flagged down an operator of a tricycle commercial operator [Keke] for routine security check. Customarily, the routine check points consist of the Keke commercial operator parting with N20 or N50 with each stop at the check point.
As the two soldiers flagged the keke operator and demanded for the ‘roger’, the keke refused to part with the ‘roger’. The two soldiers became visibly angry and began talking harshly to the keke operator. As the keke operated demanded for his right, the two soldiers observed a Biafran flag hanging inside his tricycle. The two soldiers question why the flag was flying inside the tricycle, the operator claimed it was his right and desire to fly the flag. One of the soldiers responded immediately with a slap to the face of the operator.
The tricycle operator was then dragged out of the tricycle and beaten. Following the beating, a struggle ensured and the soldiers shot the operator. He died instantly.
As the shots were fired, the tricycles operators nearby staged a quick protest. But the soldiers were quick to assemble themselves in large numbers – numbering over fifty [50]. And, immediately, the soldiers began shooting to scare away the crowd but it resulted in the killing of another tricycle operator. Another eyewitness told 247ureports.com that the soldiers took some tricycles operators to unknown location and shot them there.
Many others suffered injuries.
Following the fracas, the members of IPOB and sympathizers have taken to the streets of Umuahia in anger.
See video below.
