- The incident prompted a demonstration by the deceased trader’s associates at the market
The Ondo State Police Command announced on Saturday that it has initiated a joint operation with the Nigerian Army to apprehend a soldier accused of fatally stabbing a trader in Akure, the state capital.
Reportedly, the soldier, yet to be identified, allegedly committed the act at the bustling Arakale Market in Akure following a dispute with the victim.
The incident prompted a demonstration by the deceased trader’s associates at the market, although law enforcement officers managed to contain the situation.
Confirming the occurrence, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, assured that efforts are underway to detain the soldier involved.
Odunlami said, “Yes, the police can confirm the stabbing of a young man by a soldier. The command is in touch with the military authority so that the culprit(s) can be identified and arrested”
A source in the market narrated that the soldier mobilised his colleagues to forcefully get refund of the money he paid to the deceased for an unsatisfactory service, leading to an argument between them.
The source said, “I think the soldier and the trader (deceased) had an argument over service rendered by the trader. I think the solder was not satisfied with the service and he asked for a refund.
“That was when the trouble started. Later, the solder mobilised his colleagues and the arguments continued. It was there the trader was stabbed by one of the soldiers, after which they left the scene.”
The source added that the incident led to a protest as the other traders in the market barricaded the Arakale Road, preventing vehicular movements.
It took the intervention of policemen to clear the road.