PHOTOS: One dead, many injured as Imo state government demolishes market in Owerri [Viewers Discretion Advised]

A young boy was reportedly shot dead at Owerri, the Imo state capital following a gun battle that ensued during the demolition of popular Eke-Ukwu market.

According to reports, the unfortunate incident occurred following the massive deployment of soldiers at the market. The traders resisted the demolition, claiming that the Imo state government didn't pay their respective compensations before they sent bulldozers to carry out the demolition which triggered the security operatives to begin shooting sporadically probably with the intention of dispersing the crowd.

An young boy who accompanied his mother to the market was hit by a stray bullet and dropped dead immediately. Many others were reportedly injured.

Recall that the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has been in a protracted move to relocate the market from Douglas road to a different location of the city. The governor has presented his case citing the traffic problems constituted by trading activities at the popular Douglas road as one of his reasons.

The death toll has now risen to three

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