Metro
Army reopens Imo market weeks after killing of soldiers by suspected IPOB members
The Nigerian Army has re-opened the Rescue Market, popularly known as Malaysia Market in Onuimo, Obowo local government area of Imo State.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major-Gen. Hassan Dada reopened the market on Friday.
The market was closed three weeks ago after an attack on a military checkpoint by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Two soldiers died in the attack.
Dada, who addressed the traders at the market, charged them to protect their communities by supporting security agencies.
READ ALSO: IPOB distances self from declaration of Biafra Republic in Finland by Ekpa’s loyalists
He said the visit was part of community engagement with the people for them to understand that the Nigerian Army would always be there for them.
The GOC said: “It is our responsibility as the military to protect you but we will not tolerate killing of soldiers.
“Once you see something wrong and you don’t act, it is going to consume you.”
Dada said he had directed his commanders in Imo and Abia to always interface with the people to find out their security challenges.
He distributed some 10kg bags of rice and vegetable oil as palliatives to some elderly traders to cushion the effects of the market closure.
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