Tensions are escalating at the Enugu International Building Materials Market, known as New Kenyatta, as traders protest alleged continuous maltreatment by soldiers stationed for market security.
Traders are urging the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, to intervene before confrontations escalate. Traders reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse, with a trader stating anonymously, “Soldiers have resorted to brutalizing and humiliating traders, flogging those who can’t close shops by 6 p.m.”
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Another recounts an incident where a soldier forced a trader with a running stomach to clean up with bare hands. Despite traders’ appeals to market leaders, the developers insist soldiers were deployed at their request. A trader emphasizes, “Nobody in this market is a miscreant, but soldiers treat us like touts. Our elected leaders seem comfortable with the brutality.”
Responding to the allegations, spokesperson for the 82 Division, Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, promised to investigate. However, the situation remains unresolved as of now. #Enugu