Tension grips Bayelsa community over military invasion
BY AMOS OKIOMA
There was palpable tension in Opu-Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa state, following invasion of the community by unidentified gunmen allegedly dressed in police and military uniforms.
Reports said the sight of the gunmen, who drove into the community about 7pm last Saturday in 24 Toyota Hilux vehicles and six Coaster buses, created pandemonium in the area.
An eyewitness told newsmen that the armed men, who claimed to be members of security SWAT team from Police headquarters in Abuja, were reportedly in Opu-Nembe to effect the arrest of some boys who had allegedly defied security invitation to explain their roles in the lingering crisis in the community.
The invading security agents were held up for hours at the entrance of the community by angry women, while a youth, reportedly with deaf and dump disability, was said to have been shot in the leg.
It was gathered that despite the delay from the crying and protesting women, the contingent gained entrance into the community but could not arrest anyone as most residents had deserted the place.
Youth president of the Opu Nembe Kingdom, Comrade Ayerite Moses, who spoke on the development, said the invasion was carried out by gunmen using the utility vehicles of a popular surveillance contractor from the community.
According to him, they were given protective cover by some members of SWAT from Abuja.
Moses also claimed that five youths from the community have gone missing after the invasion with three arrested by the gunmen.
He said a quick report to the military base in Nembe led one Major Kanu to intervene on Saturday night and after discussing with leaders of the contingent, some semblance of peace was restored.
READ ALSO: Opu- Nembe citizens commend IGP as Police in sting…
Another indigene of the community, simply identified as Dressman, claimed the gunmen confessed to have been sponsored by a politician to take over the community.
“They confessed that they were hired to come to Nembe to take over the community. We know their plans. Their plan was to use the military to arrest and intimidate the people of Opu-Nembe while thugs will forcefully take over the community for them. All this is because of their failed Governorship ambition,” he claimed.
