The Ondo State Police Command announced on Saturday that they have started working with the Nigerian Army to find a soldier who allegedly killed a trader in Akure, the state capital.
The soldier, who has not been identified yet, reportedly stabbed the trader at the popular Arakale Market in Akure on Saturday after an argument between them.
The incident led to a protest by the deceased trader’s colleagues at the market, but the police were able to control the situation.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are being made to apprehend the soldier.
Odunlami said, “Yes, the police can confirm the stabbing of a young man by a soldier. The command is in touch with the military authority so that the culprit(s) can be identified and arrested”
According to a source who spoke to The PUNCH in the market, the soldier gathered his fellow soldiers to demand a refund from the deceased for a service that was not satisfactory. This resulted in an argument between them.
The source said, “I think the soldier and the trader (deceased) had an argument over service rendered by the trader. I think the solder was not satisfied with the service and he asked for a refund.
“That was when the trouble started. Later, the solder mobilised his colleagues and the arguments continued. It was there the trader was stabbed by one of the soldiers, after which they left the scene.”
According to the source, the incident caused a protest when other traders in the market blocked Arakale Road, stopping vehicles from passing through, leading to police stepping in to reopen the road.
