Like a scene in an action thriller, gunmen suspected to be militants launched attacks on a police station and a branch of an old generation bank in Amasoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Amasoma is the community of late former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and a host to the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU).
It was gathered that the gang of militants stormed the community through the waterways at about 1am on Friday.
Shortly after arriving on a speedboat, they were reported to have moved straight to the police station located in the area and engaged the policemen in a gun duel.
After allegedly overpowering the policemen on duty, the invading militants later carted away large cache of arms and ammunition from the police station.
The militants later moved to the bank with rage shooting sporadically and creating panic among residents, in addition to using dynamites and other explosives in order to have access to the banking hall.
An eyewitness said: “The militants came in through the waterways but the police were unable to stop them. They found their way to the bank shooting sporadically and chasing away everyone including the security guards. They threw bombs and dynamites at the walls of the bank, bringing down its fences. They gained access to the bank premises but were unable to get in after much attempt.”
It was gathered that the militants later attacked the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), dismantled and carted it away.
Though no life had been confirmed lost in the incident, some persons were said to have been injured.
The source added: “This is not the first time such robbery is taking place in a bank at Amassoma.”
A senior official of the bank who spoke in confidence confirmed the attack and said the ATM was carted away by the hoodlums.
The state police command confirmed the two attacks.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Butswat Asinim, said the incidents occurred on Friday at about 12:35am.
He said, “No life was lost and money was not stolen. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects. Investigation is ongoing.”
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