A policeman, Obot Godwin, was killed at about 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when he went to buy medicine.
According to reports, Obot was robbed of his phone and pleaded with the assailants to return it. However, he was shot in the head and died instantly.
In response, policemen stormed the OMPADEC Street axis and surrounding areas, breaking into homes, firing into the air, and making indiscriminate arrests. Residents, including schoolchildren, were reportedly tear-gassed, while houses and property were damaged.
Residents told PUNCH Metro that Amarata, one of the most densely populated parts of Yenagoa, has witnessed violent crimes for some time, but security agencies failed to act until Obot’s killing. Some residents have since fled the community, while traders have shut their shops.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said, “Windows were smashed during the raid, and the community has been left in fear of further violence.”
Another, a tailor, lamented, “I am tired. Every time, we continue to run. This morning we started running again. They just killed somebody. The area is also known for clashes between rival cult groups. Even the chief has been arrested. They have threatened to return in the evening and arrest people. We don’t know what to do.”
Priye Julius, a broadcaster with Radio Bayelsa who lives in Amarata, also confirmed the incident. “It’s true. I am still at home,” he said, adding by noon, “The place is calm now.”
Another resident disclosed that “Two people were forcefully taken away from my mini estate, a businessman whose wife works in the bank and another young man who works with Bayelsa Park. Houses were broken into by the police, and men and women taken into custody by force.”
The situation has heightened fears of a possible breakdown of law and order in Yenagoa.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, described the case as a “serious matter.” He added, “Yes, it is a serious matter. The area is calm. Police teams are on the ground and the investigation is ongoing.”
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