Nigerian Army reopens Malaysia market in Imo, urges community support for security

The Nigerian Army has officially reopened the Rescue Market, also known as Malaysia Market, in Onuimo, Obowo Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.

The market had been closed for three weeks following an attack by suspected IPOB members on a military checkpoint, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

Maj-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, led the reopening on Friday and urged the traders to actively support security agencies in protecting their communities.

During his address, he emphasized that the military’s responsibility is to safeguard the people but reiterated that violence against soldiers would not be tolerated.

“It is our responsibility as the military to protect you, but we will not tolerate killing soldiers,” Dada said. “Once you see something wrong and you don’t act, it will consume you.”

The GOC highlighted his efforts to engage with the local population by directing commanders in Imo and Abia states to interface regularly with communities to address security challenges.

He also expressed concern over the low registration rates of Igbo youths during recent Army recruitment drives and urged them to consider joining the military as a noble profession.

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As a gesture of goodwill, Maj-Gen. Dada distributed palliatives, including 10-kg bags of rice and vegetable oil, to elderly traders who had been affected by the market closure.

He explained that the distribution was part of the Army’s efforts to ease the challenges faced by the traders, particularly during the festive season.

In response, Mr. Jerry Uzodinma, Acting Chairman of the market, thanked the GOC and pledged the traders’ commitment to supporting the military in ensuring peace and security in the region.

Traditional rulers from the affected communities also expressed their gratitude to the military for its efforts.