Chaos In Ebonyi Market As Soldier Clashes With Taskforce Over Alleged ₦5,000 Fee

Tension erupted at Lot 2 of the International Market in Ebonyi State on Wednesday following a violent clash between a soldier and members of the market ticket taskforce.

The confrontation reportedly began when the taskforce demanded ₦5,000 from the soldier, identified as Nwuzor Elias, as a loading and offloading fee. Elias, who insisted he was only in the market to make purchases, refused to pay, leading to a heated exchange.

“Ticket people just attacked me at the International Market because I refused to give them ₦5,000. I told them I wasn’t loading or offloading anything and even identified myself as a soldier, but they said they didn’t care and that I should go to Port Harcourt for my soldier work,” Elias recounted.

He alleged that the taskforce members physically assaulted him, leaving him injured and requiring hospital treatment in Abakaliki.

Following the altercation, a team of soldiers stormed the market to track down those involved. While one taskforce member was apprehended, others reportedly fled upon hearing of the military’s arrival.

The incident has heightened tensions in the market, with traders and visitors expressing concerns over security and the aggressive activities of taskforce operatives.