BATTLE IN THE CREEK: One killed, many injured as Delta community, JTF engage in gun battle

BATTLE IN THE CREEK: One killed, many injured as Delta community, JTF engage in gun battle - Ijaw Publisher Forum 

Bomadi JTF commander allegedly held hostage, whereabouts unknown

BOMADI—One person is allegedly killed and many sustained bullet injuries, yesterday, as armed men of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, opened fire on a team of the military Joint Task Force, JTF, who were on a mission to rescue a hostage from the community.

According to a community source, armed men of Okuama, again, ambushed an indigene of Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Wednesday, over the lingering land dispute between the two communities. 

It could be recalled that, armed youths of Okuama community, a fortnight ago, ambushed and whisked away a youth of Okoloba community from his mother's farm, who was killed and drowned in the river.

Our community source, who narrated the incident, said: "Yes, about 4 pm yesterday, Okuama youths laid ambush again and kidnap one, Mr Anthony Aboh from Okoloba community and took him to their community. 

"Miffed by the precarious security situation, the chairman of Okoloba community alerted the DPO Bomadi Police Division, JTF Bomadi Division, the SSS Bomadi, as well as the Civil Defense Corps. Consequently, The JTF swiftly swung into action and moved to Okuama to rescue the hostage.

"But, on sighting the JTF personnel, the youths of Okuama aided by hired mercenaries from various Ewu communities, opened fire on them upon their arrival towards the community waterfront and the situation is extremely tensed at the moment. 

"A gun duel ensued between the duo with two soldiers sustaining severe bullet wounds. Some of the soldiers managed to escape with the two wounded soldiers and who are currently in an undisclosed hospital in Bomadi.

"As I'm talking to you, the Bomadi JTF Commander with one other soldier are reportedly held hostage and taken to the creek towards Ewu and nobody knows their whereabouts. More so, detailed investigation revealed that the kidnapped youth has been killed by Okuama and his corpse disposed into River Forcados in the early hours of today.

"This morning, the JTF mobilized its force to the creek and presently they are at Okuama and nobody knows the exact situation over there".

However, according to  findings, the JTF personnel are still on ground containing the situation in the creek, and efforts made to speak with the JTF officials on the present situation has not been successful as at press time.