Tension in Bayelsa over killing of policeman

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Tension has  gripped several parts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following the killing of a policeman by suspected cultists at Amarata yesterday night.

According to police sources, the policeman, Oboh Goodluck, was allegedly ambushed and his rifle was taken away after the murder.

His death was said to have sparked tension as policemen invaded Amarata and embarked on indiscriminate shooting and arrest of people in the area.

Two residents of the area, Priye Julius and Forsbray Inegha, who confirmed the incident, lamented that people’s homes were invaded and windows were smashed by the angry policemen.

Community leaders in Amarata were said to have appealed to residents of the area and the police to exercise restraint.

According to them, any further escalation of the situation would lead to a complete breakdown of law and order in the state capital.

Residents in the area said two people, Osigwe Chibeueze Valentine and Michael Edward, were among those said to have been forcefully arrested by the police.

Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Musa Muhammed, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation was  ongoing. 

Meanwhile, residents of Yenagoa have been warned to stay off Amara for now  as there are reports of cultists regrouping to launch attacks.