By: Felix Ikpotor
Communities in Oyigbo in Rivers State are now deserted following rumours of reprisal attack by personnel of the Nigeria Army 6 Division on the community.
PHSpectator recalls that no fewer than five soldiers and four civilians were killed during a clash between soldiers and hoodlums in the area.
On Wednesday, Governor Nyesom Wike imposed a 24-hour curfew on the area after hoodlums hijacked the #EndSARS protests and burnt two police stations.
Rivers State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mukan said three police officers were also killed during the crises.
However, soldiers were drafted to the area to enforce the curfew following hours of fighting. The soldiers met strong resistance from the hoodlums who engaged the soldiers all through Thursday to Friday and also burnt vehicles belonging to the military.
The killing of the soldiers created panic, forcing residents to evacuate some of the hostile communities to neighboring Igbo Etche.
Some residents of the area who were seeing fleeing the area said they heard reports that the soldiers were coming to burn down the entire community.
However, Gerald Oforji, Chairman of Oyigbo said there was nothing of such as the army was not planning of any attack.
He urged the residents to remain calm as relative peace is returning to the area.
