At least seven persons were confirmed killed in Isia-Ama community of Oluasiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as two militant groups engaged in a bloody clash.
A community source, who craved anonymity for fear of attack by the hoodlums, said the two groups which were suspected to be those of militant and kidnap gangs engaged in a shootout at about 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
The source said during the gun duel, seven residents were allegedly killed by stray bullets from the hoodlums’ guns and the whereabouts of other victims were not known as at on Thursday.
He said the community members were still searching for the missing persons.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command SP Asinim Butswat, in a statement yesterday, said the police and other sister security agencies were making concerted efforts to identify the militant groups.
Butswat said: “The Commissioner of Police, Mike Okoli, wishes to reassure the public that a joint operation by security agencies is ongoing to fish out the perpetrators and ensure the safety of lives of residents of the community and the protection of critical infrastructures.”
