Mixed reactions have continued to trail the latest directive from the military authorities at the Bori Camp, Port Harcourt that all civilians resident there should vacate the army barracks latest today.

Since fortnight when the directive became effective, thousands of civilians, residing there poured into Ikwerre and Aba Roads with their luggage in a desperate bid to relocate before the expiration of the deadline. The activities of the civilians caused huge traffic snarls along Aba Road last Saturday, leading to a hike in transport fares.

Some of the affected civilians who spoke to The Tide on condition of anonymity said this was not the first time such marching orders would be handed down to civilians at Bori Camp. According to a victim who described himself as a trader, the directive was not new as it was always issued whenever a new commander came on board at the barracks. He noted that the civilian population there was tacitly encouraged by men and officers of the army because of the ‘profitable’ relationship between the civilians and the soldiers.

A man who described himself simply as Paul told The Tide that it was only a question of time before the civilians would be lured back into the barracks to continue with their business, adding that the military could hardly survive without the co-operation of the civilians population in the barracks. This position was corroborated by a trader who did not want his name in print. He told The Tide that he had resided in Bori Camp for upward of eight years, adding that he even owned a property there. He also observed that the soldiers there needed the civilian more than the civilians needed them.

But one Mr Orji who resides close to the Bori Camp noted that the timing of the quit order was wrong, alleging that the camp sheltered a good number of criminals, men and women of questionable character who were in league with some soldiers. He said that with the desire of many to make quick money for the Christmas period, sending civilians at the camp parking was like unleashing criminals on the populace in Port Harcourt and Rivers State at large.

However, sources close to the Army Barracks revealed that the order was informed by security issues based on the several bombings experienced in the Northern parts of the country. In his reaction to the plight of the civilians, a citizen who spoke to The Tide blamed civilians who had prepared to live in the army camp, saying they should bear the consequences of forced relocation.

Also speaking, Mr Ndule said that the army camp was only meant for the military personnel and that civilians were living there illegally while they fuel criminal activities in the state and get in there for protection.

However, some of the affected victims said they were forced to stay at the camp due to lack of accommodation and the astronomical cost in Port Harcourt.

They confirmed that they were given enough time to look for an alternative accommodation, adding that the expiration date of the order was last Saturday.

All efforts to reach the Army spokesman for comments were not successful.