Troops of the 2 Brigade in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, have clashed with youths in the area over the arrest of suspect linked to stolen diesel from Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company.
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations headquarters, 2 Brigade, Uyo, Captain Lawal Bala Muhammad said the youths tried to free the suspect, who was taken to Sterling facility for interrogation, by blocking the road.
In a statement on Sunday in Uyo, Muhammad said the youths became violent and started hurling bottles and stones on the troops when their attempts to free the suspect failed, adding that to dispel the rioting youths, their leader was shot in the leg.
The PRO, however, stated that a corpse was later found beside a coffin in the area, adding that it had been deposited in the mortuary.
“Troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army received credible information on the activities of criminal elements siphoning diesel from a heavy duty equipment at Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company located at Ukpe Ete in Ikot Abasi Local Government area of Akwa Ibom.
“In a bid to checkmate the criminals, the troops conducted follow-up operations, which led to the arrest of a driver conveying the stolen products.
“While returning, the suspect and exhibit to the company for interrogation, the youths in the community barricaded the road, in an attempt to free the suspect and the exhibit.
“They resorted to hurling bottles and stones on the troops who were carrying out legitimate duty.
“Efforts were made to ensure the situation didn’t escalate further, but to no avail, as they became more violent. Troops also fired warning shots still in an attempt to disperse the irate youths and ensure normalcy is restored but to no avail.
“Hence, the ring leader was identified and shot on the leg. He was later evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The youths later became more weird and resorted to vandalising private vehicles, harassing innocent commuters as well as attacking Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company Trucks that were plying the road.
“Troops were later reinforced from the Brigade and further exploitation in the area was made after dispersing the crowd. This led to the discovery of a yet to be identified dead body, with a coffin placed beside his corpse.
“The remains were immediately evacuated to the mortuary by men of the Nigeria Police Force, reinforced by troops of 2 Brigade. Troops are currently scanning the area to ensure the company’s assets are secured,” the PRO stated.