The Nigerian Army has re-opened the Rescue Market, popularly known as Malaysia Market, Onuimo in Obowo Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada, reopened the market, which was closed three weeks ago after an attack on a military checkpoint by suspected IPOB members, resulting in the death of two soldiers.

Speaking to traders at the market on Friday, Mr Dada charged them to take responsibility in protecting their communities by supporting security agencies.

He said his visit was part of community engagement with the people so they could understand that the Nigerian Army was there for them.

“It is our responsibility as the military to protect you but we will not tolerate killing soldiers.

“Once you see something wrong and you don’t act, it is going to consume you,” he said.

The GOC said that he had directed his commanders in Imo and Abia to always interface with the people to find out their security challenges.

Mr Dada, who also decried the poor number of registrations by Igbo youths during army recruitment exercise, seized the opportunity to urge the people to consider joining the Army as a noble profession.

The GOC distributed some 10-kg bags of rice and vegetable oil as palliatives to some elderly traders to cushion the effects of the market closure.

“We appreciate the fact that due to one inconvenience or the other, some people have not been able to ply their trade.

“That is one of the reasons we also did palliative, that in the spirit of the festive period, the Army is always with the people,” the GOC said.

Responding, the acting chairman of the market, Jerry Uzodinma, thanked the GOC and pledged the traders’ commitment to support the military in ensuring security.

Similarly, many stakeholders who spoke, including traditional rulers of affected communities in Imo and Abia states, expressed gratitude to the military for their services.

(NAN)