Two Civilians Hit By Stray Bullets As Military, Police Officers Clash In Bayelsa

Two civilians were hit by stray bullets during a clash between military officers and police officers at the Etegwe roundabout in Yenogoa, Bayelsa state on Monday, June 27.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Asinim Butswat, says that at about 6 pm on Monday, police officers on duty at the roundabout stopped a White Toyota Hilux without a Registration number, whose occupants were on mufty, for driving against traffic.

Asinim said the driver was advised to turn back and follow the proper lane. He said the men angrily introduced themselves as military personnel and promised to come back and deal with the police officers.

The police spokesperson said surprisingly, the men came back to the roundabout in military camouflage and started beating a member of the vigilante. He said the Police Officers tried to separate them, but the men in military camouflage started shooting indiscriminately.

”In the process, a stray bullet hit two civilian passersby namely; Ariweri Taralayefa f’ 29 years old, and Omonopeno Oturu m’ 38 years old. The victims have been treated and discharged from the Hospital.”Asinim said

He stated that the military and Police authorities are investigating the incident for possible identification of the men involved.