Militants kill seven in Bayelsa

At least seven persons were killed on Wednesday in Isia-Ama community of Oluasiri in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State after two militant groups engaged in a bloody clash.

Community sources said the two groups which were suspected to be those of militant and kidnap gangs engaged in a shootout at about 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday leaving trails of deaths and injuries.

The sources said most of victims were killed by stray bullets from the hoodlums’ guns. They added that the community members were still searching for the missing persons.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command SP Asinim Butswat, in a statement said the police and other sister security agencies were making concerted efforts to identify the militant groups.

Butswat said: “The Commissioner of Police, Mike Okoli, wishes to reassure the public that a joint operation by security agencies is ongoing to fish out the perpetrators and ensure the safety of lives of residents of the community and the protection of critical infrastructures.”