JTF, Operation Pulo Shield

Jethro Ibileke/Yenagoa

The alleged exchange of fire between opposing political thugs in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State has claimed the lives of four persons.

Identities of the casualties are unknown as at the time of filling the report.

They allegedly met their death in a gun battle at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government, where some youths reportedly attempted to snatch sensitive election materials from INEC officials. It took the Military force to repel the thugs

Waves of attack were also reported in other parts of the riverine communities of the State. This is even as camps of candidates of the two major contenders in the governorship election, Timipre Sylva and Seriake Dickson of the APC and PDP respectively, are trading blames over the alleged shootings.

The affected communities are Oporoma in Southern Ijaw LGA, where the APC State Chairman, Tiwei Orunimighe, hails from, Nembe LGA, Brass LGA, home of the APC governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, and Ekeremor LGA, home of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

Heavy fighting was also reported in Sagbama town, headquarters of Sagbama Local Government Area.