By Suoyo Ekubo
Five persons, among them, a police personnel were reportedly ambushed and killed on Saturday by suspected gunmen along Idema-Otuabagi road in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Three others including a police inspector escaped death by the whiskers. They were said to have sustained bullets injuries but responding to treatment.
The incident, it was learned occured at about 7.45 am along the usually isolated bush road.
According to sources, the deceased policeman identified as Asuo Osuani and the four civilians alongside others were retuning from the burial of their colleague at Imago Kugbo, Rivers State, a boundary town with Bayelsa when they came under attack.
Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, SP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the development said the police have launched manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous act.
He said: “On 14 May, 2022, at about 0745 hours, suspected gunmen ambushed Policemen serving at Rivers Command, at Idema- Otuabagi Road, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, while returning from burial of a colleague late ASP Gilbert Sampson, at Imago Kugbo, Rivers State.
“The suspected gunmen opened fire at the vehicle conveying the Police Officers and other civilians.
“In the process PC Asuo Osuani ‘m’ and Special Constabulary Odeoye Sampson ‘m’, Mr Terry Lucky ‘m’, Jennifer Adejo ‘f’ and Asueroh Tobins ‘f’ were fatally shot and later died.
“While Inspector Urere Edwin, Rejoice Sampson ‘f’ and Reward Sampson ‘f’ sustained bullets injuries and are responding to treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Ben Nebolisa Okolo, has ordered a manhunt for the gunmen who perpetrated the dastardly act. Investigation is ongoing.”
