Heavy presence of soldiers worry Port Hacourt residents

PORT Harcourt residents on Tuesday expressed worry over the heavy presence of soldiers at some points in the Rivers State capital.

A group of soldiers was stationed around Oginigba/Slaughter Roundabout, Waterlines and around the Niger Delta Development Commission located along the Port Harcourt-Aba Road.

One of the residents said some soldiers were seen on Saturday at Oginigba/Slaughter Roundabout with two Hilux vans, adding that the situation had caused a gridlock on the busy road.

The resident, who gave his name as Windam, explained that the situation continued till Monday.

At various newsstands, many readers were seen discussing the postponement of the general election and the heavy presence of soldiers at Waterlines axis of Port Harcourt and some other suspected flashpoints within the state capital.

A Port Harcourt resident, who claimed he just came back from Ibadan, told our correspondent that the situation was the same in the Oyo State capital and added that he could not tell the reason for the development.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Captain Nsima Essien, said the soldiers were only out to maintain security and not to frighten anybody.

“They (soldiers) are not harmful; they are maintaining security and peace. It is for security purpose; it is a normal routine work,” Essien said.