Residents in Obigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State has said that the Nigerian soldiers deployed to the area in the aftermath of the EndSARS protest are still killing and intimidating the people.
Some residents who revealed this incident told Obinwannem correspondents that the soldiers were fond of arresting people without offense, and the arrested victims were being taken away to unknown locations.
Speaking to our correspondents via a telephone call, Mr. Okpara confirmed he had seen it happen on different occasions.
According to Okpara, “My shop is a stone throw from their checkpoint, so I am able to see everything.
“Ever since the relaxation of the curfew, our people have been intimidated and humiliated by these soldiers.
“On normal stance, once you approach the checkpoints, you must raise your two hands above your head like a common criminal who is set to be arrested, and failure to do it will land you in big trouble.
“Most times, they will just decide to stop young people, beat them up and take them away.
“These things have continued to happen since nobody can challenge them.
The man concluded by calling on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike to caution the soldiers.
Another resident who refused to say his name also complained of the massive establishments of Army checkpoints in all nook and cranny of Obigbo.
He noted that Obigbo residents are living in fear, adding that they are now seen as a conquered people.
Meanwhile, the River State police command, Nnamdi Omoni has said that soldiers deployed to the Obigbo area are professionally carrying out their duties.
Nnamdi stated this after the traditional ruler of Obigbo town, Eze Mike Nwaji, had earlier asked the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to stop the military from indiscriminately arresting Obigbo residents.
However, it will be worthy of note that Governor Wike had signed an executive order to maintain heavy military presence in Obigbo Local Government Area, aimed at arresting members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.
The governor had falsely claimed that lPOB members were responsible for the violent attacks that killed police officers, the destruction of police stations and government-owned properties during the EndSARS protest.
Nwada Ugochinyere Onyechere reporting, Obinwannem News
