Unknown gunmen set Bayelsa community on fire

Nathan Tamarapreye

Unknown gunmen on Sunday attacked Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, burning 20 houses.

The assailants, who invaded the community in about 50 speedboats, were alleged to be on a mission to take over the control of the community from an ex-militant leader, Paul Eris, aka, Ogunboss.

Sources from the community claimed that the gunmen chased out community members assumed to be loyal to Ogunboss and took over control of the town.

A source told our correspondent that many people are still hiding in the bush as many houses have been razed.

He said: “The gunmen came in over 50 speedboats, shooting indiscriminately and gained entrance into the community. People had no other option but to run into the bush and forest for safety.

“We learnt that the gunmen have vowed to remain in the community and ensure that Ogunboss and his followers never return there.

“I was told that the Christmas day attack on Ogunboss’ house was to drive him out of the town. And today’s attack is aimed at taking total control of the community.”

As of the time of filing this report, it is not yet clear whether lives were lost during the attack.

It was further gathered that many armed men still laid siege to the community, occupying strategic locations in combat readiness.

But the Bayelsa State government has yet to make a statement on the invasion. 

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Asinim Butswat, promised to get back to our correspondent after getting details from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area.

Butswat had yet to do so as at the time of filing this report.

Recall that Peremabiri community has always been embroiled in one crisis or the other in the past over control of oil and gas proceeds from oil majors operating in the area.