Tension has risen in Rundele Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, as men of the Nigerian Army laid siege over the alleged murder of a soldier in the area.
According to reports, the soldiers had a confrontation with alleged oil thieves in the community on Saturday, April 15, 2023, which resulted in the death of one of their comrades.
The exact details of the altercation and the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death remain unclear.
Mr Victony, a source within the community, spoke with Vanguard and alleged that on Sunday, April 16, fully armed soldiers took over the community.
The presence of the military in the area has heightened tensions among the residents, who are concerned about the situation.
He said: “On Saturday we heard that some of these boys involved in oil bunkering had problem with soldiers and that they killed of the soldiers after taking two of their guns.
“These soldiers came into our community on Sunday and laid siege. They said they are searching of the boys and their guns. As it is now we are living in fear. Many people have left the community.”
Photos seen online shows residents fleeing the community with their belongings