The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed that two persons were hit by stray bullets allegedly shot indiscriminately by some men in military camouflage during a clash with some policemen at the Edepie-Etegwe roundabout in Yenagoa, on Monday.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Asinim Butswat on Tuesday identified the two victims as Ariwei Taralayefa and Omonopeno Oturu, who were treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.
The statement further disclosed that the military personnel also brutalized a member of the Bayelsa State Volunteers, but did not disclose his identity.
According to the command, trouble started when the soldiers, who were dressed in mufti, took offence at being stopped by some police officers for driving against traffic at the roundabout and advised them to turn and take the proper lane.
The statement read,” On 27 June 2022, at about 1800hours, Police officers on duty at the Etegwe Roundabout stopped a White Toyota Hilux without Registration number, whose occupants were on mufti, for driving against traffic.
“The driver was advised to return back and follow the proper lane. The men angrily introduced themselves as military personnel and promised to come back and deal with the police officers.
“Surprisingly, the men came back to the roundabout in military camouflage and started beating a member of the vigilante.
“The Police Officers tried to separate them, but the men on military camouflage started shooting indiscriminately and in the process, a stray bullet hit two civilian passersby namely; one Ariweri Taralayefa f’ 29 years old and one Omonopeno Oturu m’ 38 years old. The victims have been treated and discharged from the Hospital.
“The military and Police authorities are investigating the incident for possible identification of the men involved,” it added. (Text, excluding headline: Daily Independent)
