Rivers LGA deserted over killing of five soldiers

There is a mass exodus of residents from communities in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State for fear of reprisal from the Nigerian Army.

About five soldiers and four other civilians were killed during a clash between soldiers and hoodlums in the area, sparking fears of reprisal from the army.

On Wednesday, Governor Nyesom Wike imposed a 24-hour curfew on the area after hoodlums hijacked the #EndSARS protests and burnt two police stations.

Nnamdi Omoni, the Rivers State Police Command spokesman said two police officers were also killed during the crises.

However, soldiers were drafted to the area to enforce the curfew following hours of fighting. The soldiers met strong resistance from the hoodlums who engaged the soldiers all through Thursday to Friday and also burnt vehicles belonging to the military.

The killing of the soldiers created panic, forcing residents to evacuate some of the hostile communities to neighboring Igbo Etche.