By Sampson Boroh
There was tension at the popular Tombia Market in Yenagoa when policemen attached to the Bayelsa State Police Command reportedly opened fire on traders and pedestrians while clearing traffic in the area leaving three persons severely injured.
It was learnt that the victims include a 17-year-old girl identified as Alice Azaghene; a wife of a pastor, Mrs Ebinipiri Onojamadu and a trader, Madufuro Blessing.
The victims were rushed to Gloryland Hospital, Yenagoa, where they are said to be responding to treatment.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the market near the popular Tombia-Etegwe roundabout at about 7.45pm.
Sources said one of the victims sustained gunshot wounds on the leg, a situation, that resulted to panic around the market.
It was gathered that the cops allegedly engaged on a shooting spree when a gridlock reportedly caused by roadside traders delayed their escort van from passing through the area.
The accused policemen numbering six were alleged to have highlighted from their van and started shooting in a bid to scare traders and other roads users to clear the traffic to enable them drive through.
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However, owing to the swift intervention of the Bayelsa police commissioner, Mike Okoli, the chaotic atmosphere was brought under control.
The police commissioner immediately ordered the arrest of the cops involved in the incident.
CP Okoli also confirmed that the policemen have been apprehended and detained at the State Police Headquarters.
He said, “We have the particulars of the vehicle as Terropol, NPF 8643C, White Hilux. Be informed that the vehicle and the policemen involved in this unprovoked attack on innocent women have been apprehended and now in my custody.
“I want to assure you that they are already facing severe disciplinary measures. The outcome of which you’ll be informed. I thank you for cooperation and concern especially those who made the particulars of the vehicle readily available.”
