Scare as gunmen kill pregnant woman, others in Bayelsa

A Pregnant woman, her husband and two others were yesterday shot dead by gunmen in an early morning reprisal at Azikoro town in Yenagoa Council Area of Bayelsa State.

The assailants, according to security sources, launched the bloody attack in retaliation to the alleged partnership between men of Operation Puff Adder and residents which led to the destruction of their camp deep down the forest.

It was gathered that the outfit on Tuesday night invaded and destroyed the base where illegal bunkering, kidnapping and other criminal activities held.

Besides, the attackers were also reportedly angered by the recent lynching of four of their members in the area.

A new generation church was equally attacked, resulting in the death of its guard.

The Guardian learnt that the couple was killed right in front of their home before security personnel deployed in the settlement dispersed the aggressors after a gun duel.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mike Okoli, who visited the scene, pledged adequate protection and ordered full investigation of the incident.

The force, through its spokesman, Asinim Butswat, said a manhunt for the suspected cultists had begun.

His words: “On August 5, 2020 at about 2300 hours, suspected cultists stormed the ‘Lion of Judah Church’ at Azikoro village, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“They shot dead four church members namely, Alfred Marcus ‘m’ 30 years; Imomotimi, surname unknown, 25 years; Gabriel Ejimofor ‘m’ 45 years and Uchechukwu Ejimofor ‘f’ 38 years, and set ablaze a nearby building, damaged a vehicle and the church properties.”

He went on: “Operatives of operation Puff Adder had earlier traced the hideout of the cultists in the bush, dislodged them and burnt their camp.

“It is believed that this is a reprisal by the suspected cultists. Meanwhile, two suspects have been arrested and are cooperating with the police in their investigation.”