A battle has erupted between soldiers and militants in Bori, Rivers state. Nine people have been reported killed and many others wounded following the clash. Commercial activities have been halted and the Rivers state polytechnic is shut down.
Emerging reports suggest that 9 people have been killed following a heavy gun battle that broke out in Bori, Rivers state earlier on Tuesday, February 23. Daily Post reports that the battle was between soldiers and militants suspected to be supporters of the ex-militant leader, Solomon Ndigbara. Four people were feared dead at Yeghe in Gokana, the home town of the embattled ex-militant, says local sources.
The campaign office of Senator Magnus Abe in Bori, Gokhana local government area of the state was reportedly set on fire by supporters of the ex-militant leader, popularly known as General Osama Bin Laden.
According to sources, four youths were killed as a result of a shoot-out between the military and some armed cultists when the military invaded the family house of Solomon who has been hiding from security forces. In the meantime, the Rivers state polytechnic, Bori has been shut down following the gun duel. Witnesses disclose that there is no movement in Bori now as shops are locked and markets are deserted.
Some students told newsmen via telephone that they are trapped in their rooms, as they could not find vehicles at the motor park in Bori to convey them to their various destinations. Many people have reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries from stray bullets. Vanguard reports that some residents saw five corpses on Taabaa street, stressing that people were living in fear. The Nigerian army, 2 Brigade command, Port Harcourt is yet to brief the press on the development in Ogoni.