There was tension at Onitsha following the killing of a 27-year-old man at the River Niger bridgehead in Onitsha, Anambra State.
It was gathered that one of the soldiers at bridgehead checkpoint shot the boy dead when he pulled the trigger to shoot into air.
A witness who does not want to be mentioned said the soldiers were pursuing and smashing mirrors of commercial vehicles driving against the traffic to cross the bridge when the incident happened.
‘As the soldiers were trying to stop the motorists from driving against the traffic, they were speeding off to escape, but one of the soldiers pulled his gun and shot in the air but unfortunately the bullet hit one of the revenue collectors who was across the road and killed him instantly.
‘The killing of the boy almost caused a breakdown of law and order as many traders and other passersby mobilized to attack the soldiers who called for reinforcement from the barrack.
“They brought more soldiers and armoured personnel carrier to the scene to avert crisis in the area.
‘The prompt intervention of a senior Army officer, a major and Onitsha Police Area Commander saved the situation and the soldier was whisked away,’ the source said.
It was gathered that the corpse of the boy was taken away probably to be deposited at the morgue.
There was security beef up at bridgehead as many security operatives were stationed there to avoid breakdown of law and order.
