Property destroyed as gunmen invade Bayelsa community
Some unknown gunmen dressed in military uniform have reportedly invaded Akamama community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
the attack on Saturday was the second attack on the Akamama community in 10 days though the reason for the invasion remained unknown.
Community sources told our correspondent that military men arrived in the community in gunboats accompanied by some workers of an unnamed pipeline surveillance company.
The gunmen allegedly destroyed property worth millions of naira as men, women and children fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Speaking to newsmen on their ordeal, an indigene of the community, Amaowei Sunday, appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention and caution the surveillance contractor.
Sunday said, “They were pursuing people. Even yesterday, I was captured by them, they beat me up and destroyed my things.”
Another indigene, Catherine Allen, noted that the latest invasion of the community was one too many while Osain Geoffrey opined that instead of invasion, the community leadership should have been invited for dialogue.
“If there is anyone found wanting in the community, they should come and meet the chiefs in the community, meet the CDC chairman and tell them this is what we came for and not to put fear in the lives of the people,” Godfrey said.
The indigenes called on Governor Douye Diri and relevant stakeholders including security agencies to wade into the issue.
When reached for comments on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, said he was not aware of the issue saying he would find out. He could not do so again as of the time of filing this report.
