Nigerian Army Launches Reprisal Attack in Bayelsa State, Leaving Destruction and Death in its Wake

March 19, 2024March 19, 2024

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Nigerian Army Launches Attack
Photo of a building burning in Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State

Nigerian Army Launches Attack
In a tragic turn of events, the aftermath of last week’s killing of 16 soldiers and officers in Okuama Community, Delta State, has spilled over into neighboring Bayelsa State. Angry troops of the Nigerian Army descended on Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, leaving destruction and death in their wake.

Eyewitnesses report that soldiers arrived in five gunboats and launched a relentless assault on the community, targeting houses suspected to harbor a militant leader believed to be involved in the previous week’s attack on the military personnel. The troops opened fire on residents at the jetty before setting ablaze several buildings, resulting in a staggering toll of 11 lives lost. Many more are feared missing as the community struggles to recover from the onslaught.

Residents, already traumatized by the earlier violence, find themselves displaced and distraught, facing not only the loss of loved ones but also the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. In the wake of this tragedy, appeals for intervention resound from the affected community, urging both the Federal and State Governments to step in urgently. They vehemently deny any involvement in the Delta State incident and plead for assistance from the international community to restore peace and stability to their embattled region.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) headquarters have been met with silence. The spokesman, Major Adenegan Ojo, abruptly ended the call upon learning of the journalist’s inquiry, and subsequent attempts to reach him have proven futile. The lack of official response leaves unanswered questions amidst the devastation wrought by the reprisal attack.

The situation in Bayelsa State remains tense as the community attempts to come to terms with the tragic events and seeks justice and assistance in the face of immense loss.

Nigerian Army Launches Attack