Soldiers invade, burn Ijaw community
Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe (ODS) have invaded and burnt part of Bilabiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
It was gathered that soldiers attacked the community on Friday morning and forced residents to flee into the creeks for safety.
Though no reason had been given for the onslaught that left debris of burnt thatched houses and torched buildings behind, it was learnt that the incident was in connection with the recent killings of four Naval ratings and abduction of foreigners in the area.
On first week of January, unknown gunmen killed four Naval ratings and abducted two foreigners at Agge coastal area, close to Bilabiri community.
The incident occurred when the gunmen seized a dredger escorted by the operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS).
The gunmen attacked the Sterling Global Dredger, causing heavy gun battle between them and the ratings.
The gun battle, which reportedly lasted for hours, led to the killings of the four ratings with others sustaining injuries.
The gunmen seized the dredger and abducted two Russian nationals and one Indian.
A resident from the area, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the military invasion describing it as sad.
