Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has debunked reports of an alleged military invasion of Oluasiri community of Nembe Local Government Area by the men of the Nigerian Army.
Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Dr. Boma Spero Jack, said in a statement, on Sunday, that the operatives of the Joint Task Force were attacked while on a security mission to dislodge some pirates and youths who were wielding AK 47 assault rifles in Oluasiri.
He said that the military men, who were deployed for the operation, did not have any intent whatsoever to attack law-abiding civil populace in the area.
According to him, the youths of the community were in illegal possession of firearms with which they terrorised innocent people and prevented law abiding citizens from going about their lawful duties in the area.
He noted that the operatives of the Joint Task Force were deployed to open up the waters ways and the markets which were blocked by pirates and the gun wielding youths.
Spero-Jack explained that the soldiers came under attack from the armed youths in the process of carrying out their lawful duties in the area.
He stated further that it would be unfortunate if there was collateral damage during the exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and the armed youths.
According to him, the solders did not have any intent to kill any member of the law abiding civil populace.
He appealed to members of the community to go about their normal duties and cooperate with the security agencies in the mission to flush out criminal elements in the area.
Spero Jack assured the people of the unflinching commitment of the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, to their well being and protection.