Soldier who triggered the Hausa-Igbo clash in Aba, now in custody

The Abia government has announced the arrest of the unidentified Hausa soldier who shot dead an Igbo butcher on Thursday, May 5, in Aba Abbatoir, Ogbor Hill area of the state.

The soldier shot the butcher in the back after being urged by a Hausa trader to help retrieve his money from the deceased.

An eyewitness had revealed to YNaija that the killing of the butcher led to an attack and murder of some Hausas in the area – by other Igbo butchers.

Godwin Adindu, Chief Press Secretary to the Aba state government, released a statement on Friday, notifying the public that the soldier is in custody and will be adequately punished.

“Initial information made available to us indicate that the violence was sparked off by a solider who killed a meat-seller at the popular waterside abattoir located at the Ogbohill area of Aba.”

“The solider who allegedly perpetrated this act has been arrested and taken into custody. He will surely face the full weight of the law.”

What now: The Aba state government should meet with leaders of the Hausa community and heads of Igbo butchers association in Aba – in a bid to resolve the lingering animosity and to forestall further reprisal attacks. All these should happen within a week – during when security agencies should still remain in the area, to maintain the peace.