TENSION MOUNTS IN EDO IJAW COMMUNITIES OVER SLAIN SOLDIER

By Isaac Olamikan

There are fears among some Ijaw communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area over the killing of a soldier.

The soldier was said to be returning from a routine patrol alongside his colleague when they were ambushed and attacked at Sadama, a village close to Ofunama

It was his colleague that escaped with bullet wound to Ajakurama community that narrated what happened to the villagers before he was evacuated to a hospital.

Sources at Ajakurama said youths joined a reinforced team to the area where the attack took place and the grave where the slain soldier was buried was located after several hours.

The source said the corpse was exhumed.

Speaking in a chat with newsmen, National Public Relations Officer of Ajakurama community, Elder Tam Nike, said the military personnel have lived cordially with the villagers since the outpost was established.

Elder Tam said the killing of the soldier was shocking and worrisome as according to him, the soldiers have been providing security for the communities.

According to him, “We condemn the act and will not condone it. It was one of the soldiers who escaped with bullet wounds to the community that told us about the attack.

“The most senior officer died instantly. The attackers took away the gun of the soldier. The community joined the solders to search the area and they found the place where the soldier was buried.

“We have called on other neighboring communities to join us to fish out the hoodlums. We will assist the soldiers to get the attackers.

On whether any operation has been carried out by the soldiers, he said no such thing has happened but that the villagers were worried about a reprisal attack in quest to get the killers.

Spokesman of the 4 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Captain Mohammed Maidawa, could not be reached for comments.