Four soldiers and a civilian has been killed in an ambush along the creek of Letugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident is said to have occured while the soldiers were returning from an operation in the Council Area.
Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Central Zone, Mr. Tare Porri, described the incident as bizarre and unprovoked. He added that the zonal leadership would meet to discuss the issue and other problems.
Following the incident, the Bayelsa State Government has said the attack is politically motivated. The Government, in a Statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, regretted the unfortunate incident describing it as, unwarranted, barbaric and unacceptable.
Mr. Obuebite stated that from preliminary investigations, there was no reason for the attack as the soldiers were carrying out their legitimate duties. Obuebite added that the incident is politically motivated and sponsored by persons in high places to heat up the state for selfish interest, noting that the government would not fold its hands and allow few individuals rubbish the peace in the state.
The Commissioner expressed the Government’s sympathy to the families of the dead soldiers and the Nigerian Army. He also urged the Federal Government to ensure that anyone found culpable should be made to face the law.