Abia trader shot dead

There was chaos at the Umuahia Timber Market along Ahiaeke Road, Aba, in Abia State on Tuesday.

Daily Trust gathered that trouble started after traders refused to pay an annual levy of N18,000 imposed by the Abia State Internal Revenue Board.

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A resident said the revenue board ordered the traders who refused to pay the levy to close down their shops.

However, the traders put up resistance when vigilantes came to the market to effect the order.

The resident said during the face off, the vigilantes shot one of the traders identified as Indomie who later died while five others sustained injuries.

The action of the vigilantes was said to have provoked the traders who retaliated by burning the section of the market where the office of the local guards is located and also torched some vehicles.

The Abia State Government has reacted to the crisis, condemning the destruction of the vigilante office and the timber market.

In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, asked the police to commence investigation.

The government directed the officers and men of the vigilante service to withdraw from the market, while the leadership of the market has been enjoined to assist the police identify the arsonists.