Residents of Umuahia, Abia State capital were thrown into confusion, scampering for their dear lives on Monday as a free-for-all fight ensued between the policemen and soldiers at the Railway Police Station.
Reports have it that the fight started as a result of a 14-seater bus which was parked near the Police station located opposite the press centre of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Aba Road.
The DPO who was driving in his highlander SUV claimed the parked 14-seater bus which belonged to an Army Captain in mufti was blocking his access into the police station and ordered it be re-parked. Eyewitness reported the DPO grew impatient and ordered the Army Captain be arrested and locked up for allegedly blocking his way.
The eyewitness added that the Army Captain pleaded with the overzealous DPO who had just assumed duties a few days back to allow him re-park the vehicle as instructed but he was adamant, insisting the Army Captain had to be locked up first.
At this point, the man revealed his position in the Nigerian Army which apparently infuriated the DPO more, insisting on his arrest, as he was quoted saying; “He must obey my arrest order, you people should tell him to obey my arrest order; you must obey my arrest. You said you are a captain; you must tell me how many wars you have fought.
“I have fought in three Boko Haram states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States before coming here. You must show me your identity today; drag him into the cell now”
Attempts by the policemen to drag the Army captain into the cell was resisted as passers-by and neighbouring people pleaded with the policemen on his behalf, in an attempt to disperse the crowd, one of the policemen shot in the air, eyewitness recounted.
Four Hilux vans belonging to the military arrived at the scene shortly after the drama ensued as someone had informed the military of the development which infuriated the soldiers.
The soldiers were reported to have descended heavily on the policemen including the DPO and beat them mercilessly.