Gunmen allegedly on a reprisal attack in the early hours of Sunday, have invaded Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa, setting over 20 houses ablaze.
The armed men who were said to have invaded the community in 50 speedboats, were allegedly on a mission to take over control of the community, from an ex-militant leader, Paul Eris also known as Ogunbos.
According to a community source, who pleaded anonymity, the gunmen have chased out community members suspected to be loyal to Paul Eris and have taken over control of the town.
”As I speak with you, many people are still hiding in the bush and many houses have been burnt down.
“The gunmen came in over 50 speedboats shooting sporadically and gained entrance into the community.
People had no other option than to run into the bush for safety. “Our intelligence report has it that the gunmen have vowed to remain in the community and ensure that Ogunbos and his followers never return to the community.
“I was told that the Christmas day attack on Ogunbos’s house was to drive him out of the town. And that today’s attack is aimed at taking total control of the community,” the source said.
As at the time of filing the report, it was however not clear yet, whether lives were lost during the attack. When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Asinmi Butwait, said: ” I am waiting for details from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), for Peremabiri,”.
