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Soldiers killings: Aba under lockdown as reprisal, arrests continue

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

Nigerian soldiers at checkpoint

Soldiers killings: Aba under lockdown as reprisal, arrests continue

Residents of Aba, Abia State are counting losses following the reprisal attacks by soldiers over the killing of five 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 burning two patrol vans as well as their checkpoint.

Angered by the attack, soldiers stormed Aba and its environs, assaulting and arresting motorists and residents.

The soldiers have continued to raid some areas to make arrests.

This has created fear in most residents who prefer to remain indoors.

The fear was heightened by the presence of two military helicopters which hovered over Aba three days after the incident.

Despite assurances by Gov Alex Otti, urging innocent residents to go about their normal duties without fear of molestation, residents are still afraid of attack and arrest by soldiers.

Nightlife, which was gradually returning to the city, especially at major junctions and hotels, has disappeared as residents, motorists and business owners are now seen racing to their homes as early as 6.30 pm daily.

One week after the attack, many businesses in the Ogbor Hill area are yet to fully reopen for fear of attack by the angry soldiers.

Even churches located at the Obikabia axis have not been able to hold their activities since the incident for fear of arrests by soldiers.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the soldiers also invaded the Cemetery, Ngwa Road, Ariaria, Ekeoha markets and other business centres in the city and ordered traders and business owners to leave.

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Shops around the Obikabia Junction area, which also leads to Ukaegbu, Umuola, Ehere, Ururuka and New Umuahia, were abandoned for fear of reprisal attacks by soldiers.

A restaurant owner at the Obikabia area, who gave her name as Mama Uche, said she lost over N200, 000 as food ingredients she bought got spoilt at her shop while she fled as soldiers stormed the area.
A trader at the Cemetery Market lamented that he lost a contract to supply some goods to a company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the abrupt closure of the market, even as the Abia – Rivers boundary was also allegedly shut by soldiers.

Sunday Vanguard also observed that two eateries, Chicken Republic and Crunchies, located near the Obikabia military checkpoint, are yet to reopen for business since the incident.

Hotels and other recreational spots were not left out as soldiers invaded some hotels, especially in Ogbor Hill and environs, arrested lodgers who were taken to their camps.

A laundry operator in one of the new hotels along Ukaegbu Road said soldiers invaded their hotel at about 2am, ransacked rooms and arrested all lodgers and staff members.

He stated that the lodgers and staff members were taken to a military camp in the city where some were profiled and released while others were still being detained.

He said: “Soldiers invaded our hotel around 2am, ransacked all the rooms and arrested all lodgers and members of staff.

“We were moved to a military camp in Aba where some people were screened and released.
“But some are still being detained. Since the invasion of the hotel by the soldiers, guests no longer visit for lodging and relaxation.

“At the moment, people are afraid, no business because there is fear everywhere.
“We pray that the situation will soon return to normal for business to start booming again.”

Humiliation

Reports of alleged humiliation of passengers by soldiers who barricaded the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha Junctions along the Aba – Umuahia section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway also sent shivers down the spines of residents

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A motorist, who gave his name as Sunny, told Sunday Vanguard that the humiliation of passengers by soldiers had stopped, but there were cases where suspected persons were arrested while other passengers were allowed to continue their journey.

He said: “At the Aro Ngwa, Umuikaa, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha Junctions on the expressway, passengers are ordered to alight and raise their hands before passing the barricade.

“The Aro Ngwa Junction was completely blocked, motorists passed through local routes.
“But the situation is gradually easing off except at Umuikaa Junction where soldiers are still forcing passengers to raise their hands.

“We condemn the killing of the five soldiers but the Army should ensure that innocent motorists should not be made to suffer for what they didn’t know.”

Missing persons

Some residents have also alleged cases of missing persons following raids of their homes by soldiers.
However, Gov Otti had, during his second visit to the 144 Battalion in Asa, Ukwa West council area, urged the military to release innocent persons who were still being detained in connection with the innocent.

Commenting on the situation, a human rights group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, condemned the killing of the soldiers but frowned upon the alleged incidents of torture, illegal mass arrest, unlawful detention, invasion of homes and hotels, and enforced disappearances of persons allegedly being perpetrated by the military.

The Foundation also faulted the forced closure of markets and described it as overkill on the suffering residents of Aba.

It said: “Even during war times, there are rules of engagement. We call on the military top brass to see to it that rules of engagement are adhered to.

“We also urge Governor Alex Otti to ensure that calm is returned to the state in the coming days as insecurity or heavy military action could scare investors from the state.

“People are now afraid of venturing out of their homes for fear of reprisal attacks.
“Many business people can’t put food on the table with daily jobs.

“Therefore, soldiers shouldn’t be seen as humiliating the same innocent people they are meant to protect.
“Let them deploy more intelligence to apprehend the criminals.

“The military should exhibit the professionalism which they have been known for.”

Efforts to get the reaction of the military authorities through the spokesman, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, were unsuccessful as he didn’t respond to a message sent to his mobile phone.

Soldiers killings: Aba under lockdown as reprisal, arrests continue

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Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

Published

9 minutes ago

October 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

Residents have come under criticism after they were seen scooping spilled groundnut oil from the scene of a tanker accident around Ojota Bridge in Lagos, prompting a warning from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over the potential health risks of consuming or selling the recovered product.

The tanker, reportedly carrying 33,000 litres of groundnut oil, overturned on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near Abiola Garden, Ojota, on the inward lane towards the Old Toll Gate.

A video circulating on social media showed some residents gathering around the accident scene to collect the spilled oil, using containers to scoop it from the road. Police officers and LASTMA personnel were also seen at the location.

LASTMA warned members of the public against consuming or selling groundnut oil recovered from the accident scene, stressing that the spilled product could have been contaminated by dirt, debris, water or other substances on the road. Although the oil was intended for human consumption, its exposure to the accident environment raises concerns about its safety. Residents were therefore advised not to collect, purchase or consume the recovered product.

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The agency’s rescue and recovery team reportedly arrived at the scene with high-capacity tow vehicles to assist in removing the overturned tanker and managing the resulting traffic disruption. Traffic officials worked with other emergency responders, including the police and relevant road safety agencies, to secure the area and facilitate recovery operations.

The crash caused disruption around Ojota Bridge and adjoining sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. Motorists were advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions of traffic officers in the area.

No casualties were reported in the incident. Preliminary accounts suggested that brake failure might have caused the tanker to overturn, although the suspected cause had not been confirmed by a final investigation.

The incident has renewed concerns about tanker safety, emergency response and the risks people take when collecting products spilled during road accidents. Beyond the immediate danger of approaching an overturned tanker, recovered food products may be unsafe for consumption if their quality and cleanliness cannot be established.

Authorities continue to urge residents to keep away from accident scenes, allow emergency teams to work and avoid collecting spilled goods that may pose risks to public health.

Outrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene

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Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

Published

46 minutes ago

October 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

A Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri has sentenced a 37-year-old woman, Fatima Sanda, to two years’ imprisonment for procuring a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.

The court also ordered Sanda to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim after convicting her of an offence under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking law.

The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Monday, October 12, 2026, according to reports published by Punch Metro and other Nigerian media outlets.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, NAPTIP said the judgment was delivered at Court 10 of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, presided over by Justice Aisha M. Ndume.

The agency said Sanda was convicted of procuring a 16-year-old girl and subjecting her to sexual exploitation by other people.

The offence contravenes Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as amended.

Following the conviction, the court sentenced Sanda to two years in prison and ordered her to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim.

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The publicly available reports did not disclose further details about how the teenager was recruited, the identities of the other people involved or the circumstances surrounding the exploitation.

The judgment comes amid continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

In a related case in Niger State, a 27-year-old man, Hussaini Suleiman, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl at his residence behind the Prison Quarters in Minna.

The Niger State High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Bawa, convicted Suleiman after he pleaded guilty to the offence.

According to NAPTIP, the case was referred to its Niger State Command by the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on April 16, 2026, following a report of the rape of the child.

The agency said Suleiman admitted committing the offence during the investigation and was arraigned before Court 8 of the Niger State High Court on September 10, 2026. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison.

The conviction was reported on September 11, approximately one month before the Borno judgment was announced.

Although the two cases involved different offences and circumstances, both resulted in prison sentences following court proceedings.

The cases also highlight the importance of reporting suspected child sexual abuse, conducting thorough investigations and ensuring that cases are prosecuted before the appropriate courts.

NAPTIP is the federal agency responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking, including the exploitation of vulnerable people. Its work includes investigating trafficking-related offences and prosecuting suspects under applicable legislation.

The Borno judgment combines a custodial sentence with a compensation order for the victim. However, no further information was available in the published reports on whether the compensation had been paid.

Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation requires effective law enforcement, access to justice and measures that safeguard victims’ privacy and dignity throughout investigations and court proceedings.

Borno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl

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Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Published

19 hours ago

October 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

Attempted Suicide: ‘If You Survive, We’ll Jail You’ – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy with his opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during a Senate debate on the proposed Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to replace criminal punishment for suicide attempts with medical treatment, rehabilitation and support for survivors.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his position, warning that anyone who attempted suicide but survived would be jailed.

His comments came as the Senate passed the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny despite his opposition.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South, the bill seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, treatment and long-term support for people who survive suicide attempts.

Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing legal framework contains a contradiction because the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

He specifically cited Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, which expose people who survive suicide attempts to possible criminal punishment under applicable laws.

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The senator said criminalising attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking professional help. It could also make families conceal incidents for fear of prosecution and stigma, while undermining the collection of reliable data needed to strengthen prevention efforts.

Ekpenyong challenged lawmakers to consider whether a person who survives a suicide attempt should face prosecution or receive protection and medical care.

He maintained that decriminalising attempted suicide would not mean encouraging suicide or excusing anyone who assists, persuades or procures another person to take their life. Rather, the proposal would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility requiring coordinated medical, psychological and social support.

The bill proposes a framework for medical assessment, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for survivors. It also provides for crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers to help them identify and respond appropriately to people experiencing suicidal distress.

Another proposed measure is the establishment of a national data system to improve understanding of suicide attempts and support evidence-based prevention programmes.

During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but questioned how the proposed legislation would work in practice to prevent suicide.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposal, particularly how amendments involving the Criminal Code and Penal Code would apply across Nigeria’s states.

Bamidele urged lawmakers to examine the relationship between federal legislation and state legal frameworks to avoid conflicts during implementation.

Akpabio similarly called for input from state Houses of Assembly during the proposed public hearing, arguing that the legal implications of amending the existing provisions required careful consideration.

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, welcomed the proposal and said the legislative process would provide an opportunity for medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to the debate.

The bill’s supporters argue that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without consideration of the circumstances that led to the crisis. They maintain that punishment alone cannot address the underlying psychological, social or medical factors associated with suicidal behaviour.

The Senate’s decision to pass the bill for second reading does not mean that the proposed changes have become law. The legislation has been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Until the legislative process is completed and any resulting law takes effect, attempted suicide remains punishable under applicable provisions of Nigeria’s existing criminal laws.

The debate has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s approach to suicide prevention and the treatment of survivors, with lawmakers now facing further scrutiny of whether criminal penalties or a health-centred response should take priority.