A military post at the Kolo Creek in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, primarily stationed in the area to guard an oilfield operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, was Saturday, reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen, killing a civilian guard, one Mr. Austin Igwe.
The gunmen, who report claimed operated in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), were said to have stormed the post, took away some arms and ammunition and left and the civilian guard working at the Shell facility was reportedly shot dead by the bandits.
According to a report, a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “What we learnt was that the gunmen came in an SUV, stopped close to the army post, walked majestically into the post, and dismantled the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
“They took the GPMG, rifles, ammunition, got into their vehicle and zoomed off. They probably killed the civilian guard because they suspected that he recognised them,” the security source disclosed.
According to reports, the corpse of the deceased was reportedly evacuated by police officers from Ogbia Division and troops of the Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) before it was later deposited in a mortuary.
Relations of the victim were said to have surrounded the scene after the attack.
One of them, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “We heard that unidentified gunmen had attacked Shell facility and shot our brother dead; we got here and found out that it was true.
“The pain is too much to bear. This is a tragedy for us. I am short of words.”
The Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council, Ogbia Clan, Mr. Osanya B. Osanya, confirming the incident, condemned the attack on the oilfield and the stealing of the army rifles.
Osanya called on security agencies to be vigilant, especially given the upcoming elections in the state, adding that some politicians were desperate and could do anything to win elections, including sponsoring violence and bloodshed.
According to him, “The leadership under my watch will as a matter of importance partner with security agencies to rid our council of criminality.
“We also advise our youths to be at alert and not allow some politicians to use them as willing tools to destroy our council.”
Source: DailyPost
