Navy accused of invading Delta riverine community

Residents of Okpogbene community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State have allegedly accused the Nigerian Navy of invading their peaceful Community on Saturday.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday during “Operation Dakatar Da Barawo” (stop the thief) across Niger Delta region, where the Nigerian Navy deployed about 40 ships, five helicopters and 200 boats.

According to a community source, two Navy gun boats came into the community between 12 pm and 1 pm on Saturday April 2, 2022 and opened fire at them.

It was also gathered that the Navy visited some illegal oil bunkery sites on Saturday in Warri River where it destroyed certain camps in the area.

The angry community said residents including women, children, and aged men scampered for safety, following the heavy shooting.

The aggrieved residents called on the governor of Delta State, senator Ifeanyi Okowa and President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Navy to order to avoid fuelling another avoidable war in Niger region.

However, efforts to reach Nigerian Navy NNDELTA for comment proved abortive.