There is palpable fear in Amarata, a community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following reports that a police officer was allegedly killed on Monday night.
Residents say armed policemen launched a reprisal raid on parts of the area Tuesday morning attacking homes and shooting indiscriminately.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as families fled their houses to escape the gunfire.
Two residents, Priye Julius, a broadcaster with Radio Bayelsa, and Forsbray Inegha, a retired police officer, confirmed the incident.
They said their windows were smashed during the raid, adding that the community had been left in fear of further violence.
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When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Musa Mohammed, said he could not confirm the incident as of the time of this report.
Community leaders have urged both residents and security operatives to exercise restraint, warning that any further escalation could lead to a wider breakdown of law and order in the capital, Yenagoa.
Amarata, a densely populated neighbourhood in Yenagoa, has long been a flashpoint where cult groups and security operatives frequently clash.
In recent years, the area has witnessed sporadic violence linked to rival gangs and police crackdowns.
There are growing calls for the Bayelsa State government and security agencies to intervene swiftly to restore calm and prevent further casualties.
