Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Fear has gripped the Amarata community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after hoodlums robbed and k!lled a police officer identified as Obot Godwin.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 6am on
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 when he went to buy some medicine in the area which is
also known for clashes between rival cult groups.
According to Punch, Obot was robbed of his phone and
was pleading with the thieves to return the phone to him when he was hit on the
head and he died instantly.
It was gathered that following the k!lling, policemen
swooped on the area around OMPADEC Street and environs, breaking into houses,
carrying out indiscriminate arrests and firing into the air.
The publication reported that residents, including school
children, were tear-gassed during the raid.
Residents said the Amarata, one of the most densely
populated neighbourhoods in the Yenagoa area, has been witnessing violent
crimes for some time but the security agencies have failed to act until the
killing of Obot.
It was further gathered that some residents have fled the
area over the police action, while traders have locked up their shops and
families have shut their doors.
A resident who did not want his name mentioned said,
“Windows were smashed during the raid, and the community has been left in fear
of further violence."
Another resident, who is a tailor, said, “I am tired. Every
time, we continue to run. This morning we started running again. They just
k!lled somebody. Even the chief has been arrested. They have threatened to
return in the evening and arrest people. We don’t know what to do."
Another resident of the area, Priye Julius, a broadcaster
with Radio Bayelsa in Yenagoa, said that he witnessed the incident.
“It’s true. I am still at home and on the situation on
ground as of noon. The place is calm now,” he added.
Another resident of the area said, “Two people were
forcefully taken away from my mini estate, a businessman whose wife works in
the bank and another young man who works with Bayelsa Park. Houses were broken
into by police and men and women were taken into custody by force.”
There is growing fear that the development can lead to a
wider breakdown of law and order in the capital.
The spokesperson of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa
Mohammed, who confirmed the incident said the police teams were on the ground,
adding that the investigation is ongoing to arrest the suspected k!llers.
"Yes, it is a serious matter. The area is calm. Police
teams are on the ground and the investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
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