Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Umueziala, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State — Tension and fear gripped residents of Umueziala following an incident involving soldiers reportedly conducting a vehicle check along a heavily congested road, in which a driver of a Siena vehicle was allegedly assaulted and collapsed under the force of the encounter.
Eyewitnesses described how the soldiers, reportedly operating under the code name “Operation Search and Flush”, stopped vehicles to manage the heavy traffic. During the process, the driver of a commercial Siena vehicle was allegedly beaten by the personnel. One soldier is said to have struck the driver with a firearm, causing him to collapse immediately to the ground.
Sources indicated that the soldiers, apparently fearing they had seriously injured or killed the driver, abandoned their Hilux patrol vehicle, which bore no registration plate, and fled the scene. Before retreating, the soldiers allegedly discharged their firearms into the air, creating panic among bystanders and commuters. Locals reportedly ran for safety as the soldiers escaped.
The abandoned vehicle became a focal point of concern for residents, highlighting the severity and recklessness of the incident. Community members described the actions of the soldiers as unprofessional and excessive, emphasizing that the driver was left in a vulnerable state with no immediate military assistance.
Meanwhile, some bystanders acted quickly, moving the collapsed driver to a nearby hospital where medical personnel are attempting to stabilise him. Details about his condition remain unclear at this time. Local authorities and human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the incident, calling for an urgent investigation into the conduct of the soldiers, accountability for the alleged abuse, and reassurances for civilian safety during security operations.
This episode adds to growing concerns over the interaction between military personnel and civilians in the region, where operations intended to enforce security can sometimes result in excessive force and fear among residents. Community leaders and observers have urged that future operations be conducted with strict adherence to professional standards and respect for the rights of citizens.
Efforts to reach a response from the Nigerian Army or the Joint Task Force have not yet yielded official statements. Residents and local leaders are calling for clarity on the incident and for measures to ensure that security operations protect rather than endanger civilians.
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