The Ondo State Police Command announced on Saturday that it has started working with the Nigerian Army to locate a soldier who reportedly killed a trader in Akure, the state's capital.
Reports indicated that an unidentified soldier allegedly fatally stabbed the trader at the well-known Arakale Market in Akure on Saturday following a dispute between them.
The incident reportedly sparked a protest by the deceased's colleagues at the market, but the state police command brought the situation under control.
Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are underway to apprehend the soldier.
Odunlami stated, “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”
A market source recounted that the soldier rallied his colleagues to demand a refund from the deceased for an unsatisfactory service, which led to a confrontation between them.
The source mentioned, “I believe the soldier and the deceased trader had a disagreement over the service provided by the trader. The soldier was unsatisfied and requested a refund.
“That sparked the trouble. Later, the soldier mobilized his colleagues and the argument continued, culminating in the trader being stabbed by one of the soldiers before they departed the scene.”
The incident prompted a protest, as other traders at the market blocked the Arakale Road, halting vehicular movement.
Police intervention was necessary to clear the road.
