Some indigenes of Udoda/Okolodiama community in Engeni, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State are still sceptical of returning home, leaving the community still empty three weeks after two soldiers attached to the six division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt was beheaded by gang members.
On Thursday, 23 May, soldiers from six division engaged gunmen in the Community in a gun duel.
The soldiers entered the Community in a bid to stop the activities of illegal artisanal refiners located in the community.
It was gathered that the gunfight between soldiers and the oil thieves lasted for hours.
However, two soldiers were caught by the oil bunkerers resulting in their being killed and subsequently beheading.
Also killed during the gunfight were eight other men identified as Holy Boy, Raaty, Gift Adeh, Famous Kolokolo, Frank, Blank and Onisowhorun.
Indigenes of the community who vacated their homes for fear of possible attack by the military say they are still afraid of going back home because they might be killed.
Some of them who spoke to theportcitynews correspondent said that their farms have been overgrown by weed but they are not in a rush to go home.
Although according to them, some have returned after government officials and traditional rulers intervened, they said they are sceptical about returning home as the event at Odi is still fresh on their minds.
They appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Nyesom Wike to provide jobs for their youths, stressing that if the youths have jobs, they will not engage in illegal oil refining which they said also damage their environment.
