Christmas tragedy as policeman kills colleague in error

A police officer in Yenagoa was inadvertently shot and killed by a fellow policeman during a gun duel between the police and suspected cultists.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the incident occurred on Christmas day at Obele Area of Ovom in Yenagoa, leaving residents in apprehension.

According to the eyewitness, trouble started when a misunderstanding among the feasting cultists degenerated to a fight within the cult group, resulting to gunshots which eventually attracted a police patrol team to the area.

The Police Command Spokesman, DSP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said the killing was shocking.

“Yes, the incident was between cultists but as the police went to find out what was going on, the cultists started shooting and one of the policemen mistakenly shot an officer.

“Though, we are yet to get the full details because some of our men, who were at the scene, are supposed to brief us over the matter.

“Nevertheless, the Police are intensifying efforts to ensure a crime-free environment for people in Bayelsa this period of Christmas celebration. we deployed over 4,000 personnel for patrol.

“We adopted some strategies like ‘Cordon and Search.’’