There was anxiety amongst residents in Amatu II community of Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Sunday as gunmen invaded the community, releasing gunshots and abducting a local boat owner while many others are yet to be accounted for.

The attack took place despite heavy deployment of soldiers in search of militants who had ambushed a military patrol boat killing some crew members less than a week ago.

It was gathered that the gunmen who stormed the community jetty in the early hours of Sunday began shooting at anyone in sight and looted goods before whisking away their victim, identified as Chief John Okotoro, to an unknown location.

The attack, which left several persons injured and others missing, is coming barely one week after some gunmen killed four soldiers and a civilian in a location close to the neighbouring Letugbene community.

Confirming the attack, a community leader in Amatu II, Chief Paul Oweipadei, who described the attack as one too many, lamented that the people of the area were living in constant fear of attack and molestations from gunmen and sea pirates who terrorised the area.

He stated that the gunmen were trying to pass through the community to gain access to an Shell Production Development Company facility located in the community, and appealed to the state government and security agencies to beef up security along the waterways.

“We are appealing on the state government and security agencies to beef up security and station a house boat along the Dodo River waterways because our lives and economic activities are seriously under threats by gunmen.

“We are making this appeal because the community is worried that the continued activities of these gunmen, if not checkmated, could disrupt the smooth operations of SPDC EA Field located in Amatu II,” Oweipadei said

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