There is panic in Akamama community, Opuama Kingdom, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following a second attack by gunmen.
Sources within the community reported that this latest assault comes on the heels of an earlier attack that had already caused significant apprehension.
Investigations reveal that the gunmen, dressed in military uniforms, arrived in gunboats accompanied by workers from an unnamed pipeline surveillance company.
During the attack, the gunmen reportedly destroyed property worth millions of Naira in the coastal community. The fear of their arrival forced many children, men, and women to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Speaking to newsmen, community member Elder Amaowei Sunday described his ordeal and appealed for urgent government intervention.
“They (gunmen) were pursuing people. I was captured by them, they beat me up and destroyed my things,” he recounted. Elder Sunday called on both federal and state governments to intervene and secure the lives of the community members.
Ms. Catherine Allen expressed that the latest invasion of the community has become one too many.
Mr. Osain Geoffrey, another resident, stated that instead of invading the community, the leadership should have been consulted.
“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,” he said.
The community members called on Governor Douye Diri, relevant stakeholders, and security agencies to address the issue urgently.
