2 abducted, houses razed, scores injured, as gunmen invade community

   

Suspected gunmen num­bering over 10 from Ko­ro-Koro community in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday, invaded Afam Ukwu communi­ty in Oyigbo Local Government Area, kidnapped two persons and burnt down buildings.

It was gathered that in the mayhem, scores of persons were macheted by the invaders, who stormed the community in the wee hours of yesterday.

Four buildings, including a church, were reportedly burnt down by the hoodlums.

A source said that the gunmen suspected to be on a reprisal, shot sporadically, attacked villagers be­fore setting houses ablaze.

According to the source, trouble started when a native of Tai claimed that he was assaulted in his farm by a native of Afam Ukwu, who re­ported the incident to his brother:

“This notorious cultist mobil­ised his group and invaded the community. They ransacked the community shooting sporadically. Many people sustained bullet and machete injuries.

“They burnt down four houses including a church, and abducted two persons. As I speak, the entire community is in disarray”.

He added that police had taken over the community, as residents lived in fear.

Chairman, Oyigbo LGA, Mr. David Onyegorom, who confirmed the incident said the residents of the community woke up to a sporadic shooting from their neighbouring Koro-Koro community.

He said the bandits destroyed four houses and injured many people, adding that those who sus­tained injuries had been taken to hospital for treatment. Also, he said security operatives had come in to restore normalcy.

Onyegorom said the invasion of the community was as a result of a minor dispute that could have been resolved peacefully.

Similarly, Chairman of Tai LGA, Monday Belli, was reported to have confirmed that the gunmen came from a community in his council.

Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Ahmad Muhammad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the report. He said police responded immediately they got wind of the attack to re­store peace and order.

Daily Sun