Tension gripped Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, as protests erupted following the tragic death of a 27-year-old trader, Ezeani Ebuka, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier.
The streets of Arakale witnessed a surge of demonstrators as traders rallied to demand justice for their slain colleague, bringing both commercial and vehicular activities to a standstill for over two hours.
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According to eyewitnesses, the unrest unfolded after an altercation between the victim and a soldier, purportedly over a dispute regarding payment for services rendered. The situation escalated when the soldier allegedly resorted to violence, fatally stabbing the trader.
Market leaders, speaking anonymously to reporters, condemned the incident as barbaric and called for swift action by military authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure justice is served.
The intervention of police detectives from the state command helped prevent further escalation of tensions, although commuters faced significant disruptions as a result of the protests.
Confirming the tragic event, Funmi Odunlami, the spokesperson for the state police command, acknowledged the fatal stabbing, underscoring the need for collaboration between law enforcement and military authorities to identify and apprehend the culprit(s).
“Yes, the police can confirm the stabbing of a young man by a soldier,” Odunlami stated. “The command is liaising with military authorities to ensure the culprit(s) are brought to justice.”
As investigations into the incident continue, residents of Akure remain on edge, mourning the loss of Ebuka and demanding accountability for his untimely demise.
