Armed men Attacked Zion Community In Bayelsa

Armed men suspected to be militants from Ekeni community in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa reportedly attacked Zion community in the same council area and carted away N1m among other valuables. The armed attack on the serene riverside settlement, sources said, triggered panic in the area as gunshots from the invaders rented the air causing terrified natives to flee their homes.The hoodlums, it was learnt, harassed, took money and other items from their victims before escaping.
Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, Lt. Col Mustapha Anka, while confirming the invasion, said the armed men also intercepted and diverted two passenger boats and abducted passengers on board.
He said: “One of the boats, which had  a technician working with a giant communication company, was on assignment to effect repairs on a faulty community communication mast.
”The gang also carted away N1 million, belonging to the staff of the company.   Troops of the JTF are currently on the trail of the criminals.”
In another development, the JTF Commander, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, has warned owners of vessels, barges and tankers used for illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta to withdraw such services from oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers or have them blown up.
He frowned at the criminalities  perpetrated by vessels and trucks owners by way of renting them to the oil thieves who use them to siphon/convey stolen crude oil in the region. The JTF boss, threatened to blow up any such vessels found in the act of illegal oil bunkering or related criminality.
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