Breaking: Abia Market On Fire, Trader Shot Dead

There is currently chaos at the Umuahia Timber market along Ahiaeke road in Abia State.

According to Daily Trust, the chaos started after traders failed to pay an annual levy of N18,000 imposed by the Abia State Internal Revenue Board.

A resident who spoke on the incident said the state revenue board directed the traders who failed to pay the levy to close down their shops.

The traders, however, resisted the order when vigilantes came to the market to affect the order given by the revenue board.

It gathered that the vigilantes killed one of the traders identified as ‘Indomie’, while 5 others were injured.

The development stirred anger in the traders who retaliated by burning the office and vehicles belonging to the local guards.

The state government while reacting, condemned that the destruction of Abia Vigilante Services Office and the Timber Market.

The Abia State Government in a statement released through the Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, asked the police to commence an investigation.

The government directed the officers and men of Abia Vigilante Service to withdraw from the market, while the leadership of the market are directed to assist the police to identify people responsible for the attacks.

The statement read, “The impunity of burning buildings and other public institutions must stop forthwith, as arson remains a very serious crime against the state and humanity, which attracts severe consequences under our laws.

“Government will promptly discipline any Abia Vigilante Service personnel who harasses or intimidates citizens.”