15:T750,

One person was feared dead and two others sustained various degrees of injury when traders in the Eke-Awka main market clashed with members of the vigilance group in the area today over alleged refusal of the traders to pay them money ordered by their leader.

Following the killing of the trader, his colleagues immediately descended on two members of the vigilance group and beat them to a state of unconsciousness before people intervened.

The two injured vigilance members have been taken to hospital in Awka for treatment.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Uche Ezeh, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation into the matter is on-going.

According to him, full details of the incident had not been received, adding that the state police command had deployed security operatives to the market to maintain peace.

In a chat with some of the traders, they said that the leader of the vigilance group in the market was in the habit of demanding money indiscriminately, adding that they had been reluctant to pay because the money demanded was illegal.

In their words, “We have authorised leaders who collect revenue stipulated by government, but these people always insist on collecting money again and this is what we frown at.

“Trouble started when the vigilante men forced one of our members to pay a certain levy and when he resisted because it was illegal levy, their leader ordered them to deal with him and one of them shot him and he died on the spot.

“As a result, the traders present pounced on two of the vigilante men and beat them mercilessly.”

•Photo shows Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano flanked by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Usman Gwary (left) and DCP Adeoye Finihan(Right).

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