Nwako said: “It is quite unfortunate that soldiers will come into the market and start shooting directly at traders like they are animals.
“It is getting out of hands; soldiers taking laws into their hands and we are here talking about kickstarter worth of how much? N3,500. Somebody is dead, which we don’t know how many have died; so many are still in the hospital.”
While reacting to the sad incident, the Nigerian, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said the operatives involved are being interrogated at the Logistics Command of NAF, Ikeja.
Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said investigation was ongoing.
He said: “We were told that an army personnel and a civilian friend of his went to Ladipo market to confront someone that was alleged to be owing the army personnel. While at the market, an argument ensued leading to an exchange of blows.
“The army personnel were subdued, the civilians ran out to look for assistance. He saw some Air Force personnel on patrol. He beckoned on them that a soldier was under attack.
“When they got to the scene to contain the fight, the traders started hauling stones at them. Along the line, one of the traders attempted to snatch a rifle from one of the Air Force personnel. He succeeded, snatched the rifle and attempted to shoot our personnel. The soldier was able to retrieve the rifle and opened fire on the traders.
“The Nigerian Air Force personnel that were in that market did not really kill anybody. The soldier who took the rifle that was snatched from OP MESSA opened fire in self-defence.
“Our Base Commander was able to calm the situation. He visited the scene. Those involved have been arrested and are under investigation. We heard only one person was shot. An investigation is, however, ongoing.”
