Indigenes of Bille community in Degema Council of Rivers state have lamented an alleged invasion of their by men of the Nigeria Army in the early hours of yesterday.

It was gathered some soldiers were killed around Bille territory on Sunday by suspected pirates that terrorize the area.

However, on Tuesday morning, fully armed and fierced-looking soldiers on alleged reprisal invaded the community arresting youths and breaking into houses.

The development, the Guardian gathered has sent many youths and men fleeing the community.

The Chairman of Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council, Chief Barr. Bennett Okpoki cried that the Bille Kingdom was under siege of the military calling for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
Okpoki stated that Bille has been at the mercy of sea pirates, recalling that Friday a Port Harcourt bound boat was attacked and one Mr Impaisinba Igani, was killed.

He noted that the matter was also reported to the 29th Battalion Tactical Headquarters of the Nigeria Army resident in the area, wondering why the military would launch an attack on the community knowing the operations of pirates in the area.

Okpoki revealed that the same criminals had also attacked the military formation and had a serious gun battle with the soldiers, regretting the invasion by the soldiers.

He said: Bille town in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State is under seizure by the Nigerian military.

As early as 7.00 am this morning September 6, 2022, there has been under serious gunshots by the military.

“The palace of the Amayanabo of Bille was also invaded and the king; HRM LN.C Herbert and his personal Aid: Mr Damiete Alabo forced away by the military.

“The military later released the king but left with the personal aide in the company of several others that were arrested. Until this moment, there were about in the unknown.

“Today, 6th September 2022, dozens of soldiers believed to be of the Nigerian Army have stormed Bille Town, Headquarters of the Bille Kingdom in many gunboats, broke into houses, shooting sporadically, and many persons injured, alleging that Bille people are responsible for the reported clash with the supposed men in military uniform. Upon that the King, Amayanabo of Bille Kingdom was ordered to produce the suspects within 48 hours.”

He called on the FG, the State Government and particularly the Chief of Defense Staff to urgently intervene in order to curb sea piracy in the area as well as ensure the release of those picked by the soldiers in the operation.

However, the Army denied invading the community.

According to the spokesman of the 6 Division of Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Major Iweha Ikedichi, the men are on a cordon and search operation to swiftly track and recover stolen arms by the perpetrators of the crime.

He said: “Our Soldiers currently, in the early hours of this morning(Tuesday) carried out a cordon and search operation which is ongoing following the killing of soldiers who were on internal security operations around Bille community in Degema council of Rivers State with their weapons carted away. So the operation is currently ongoing and will continue until the weapon of the soldiers are recovered.

“We solicit members of the community to please volunteer to give information that leads us to the actual perpetrators of the crime so that they will be brought to book.

“Usually, when incidences like this happen, criminals will hide in innocent communities and will be crying wolves.
“About the footage in the media about the conduct of the personnel involved, we will review all of those after the operation and take appropriate action.

“Currently, soldiers are out and the idea is to as quickly as possible recover the weapons and track the perpetrators.”