By Sampson Boroh
No fewer than seven persons have been reportedly shot dead when three militant groups clashed on Wednesday night at the Oluasiri community of Nembe-Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government area of Bayelsa State.
NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online understands that the clash was reportedly caused over disagreement arising from the control of illegal oil bunkering sites and other criminal activities in the area.
It was gathered two of the deceased were children of the same parents allegedly engaged in the criminal activities.
Sources in the area alleged that gun battle broke out among three armed groups when one of the gangs was accused of reportedly withholding ammunitions used for high profile criminal activities including kidnapping and sea piracy on the high sea.
The rivalry militant groups were also further alleged to be the operators of illegal bunkering camps in the bordering communities of Bayelsa and Rivers States around Isiah-Ama area of Oluasiri which community.
Villagers told our correspondent that the three gangs involved are located in Izakiri, Ben-Ama and Isiah-Ama communities.
These areas, according to the sources, have become a den for armed militias operating along the borders of Bayelsa and Rivers States.
“We also know that the affected gangs who lost foot soldiers have started burying their dead because the community does not allow fresh dead bodies kept in the community. Among the dead were two boys from a single parent.
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“Every security agencies are aware of the illegal activities of these boys.The umbrella body of Ijaw Youths are aware and have kept quiet. The Oluasiri as a community, have cried severally over the activities of these people. But no action”, a community source claimed.
The Paramount Ruler of Isiah-Ama, HRH. Iyerite Chiefson Awululu, who spoke with our correspondent on Thursday, confirmed that the gun battle was among militant factions in the area.
The traditional ruler said, “The gun battle last for hours. And they have suffered some deaths. Seven or eight persons died in the clash.”
“From reports reaching me from my subjects, no innocent indigene was killed in the battle. And we have reported to the Local Government Chairman. The indigenes of the community had to cry out to avoid being hit by stray bullets.”
The Chairman of the Nembe Local Government Area, Hon. Alalibo West, who also confirmed the gun war, said the incident had been reported to security agencies and the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, for action.
West added, “We have reported to the relevant authorities and have requested for gun boat patrol to calm the situation. And I learnt the situation is now under control.”
