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From Ben Dunno, Warri
Operatives of Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigerian Police and men of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday clashed in Delta State throwing residents of Jeddo community in Okpe Local Government Area into panic.
Investigation by Daily Sun revealed that the clash between the security operatives was a result of a reprisal by CTU men after Air Force personnel manhandled some of their operatives over an alleged assault on a daughter of an Air Force officer.
It was gathered that the reprisal witnessed a reign of terror in the community as CTU and NAF men engaged in fierce gun duel that lasted over three hours forcing residents, especially women and children to scamper for tsafty.
Several people, it was gathered, sustained various degrees of injuries as they struggled to escape stray bullets.
Security sources told newsmen that, “the incident, which occurred on Monday night, started when an argument ensued between a CTU operative and a lady which resulted in the policeman slapping her.
“Unknown to the policeman, the lady is a daughter of an Air Force personnel who returned home and reported the incident to her father.” It was gathered that the angry Air Force officer mobilised his colleagues and stormed the scene. Realising that the girl was a daughter of an officer, the police also reinforced for counter balancing of force.
Security sources disclosed, “that the Air Force, on arriving the scene, opened fire which was replied by the police special squad with people scampering for safety.”
Though no life was lost, several people, including the personnel of the two agencies, sustained injuries while several vehicles were vandalised and makeshift property of traders destroyed.
A fact finding visit to the scene yesterday revealed what was left of the wreckage of the bloody clash as the entire area had been deserted as residents now live in fear of another reprisal in the community.
It was also gathered that the Area Commander in Warri, Mohammed Shaba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) met with the new Commanding Officer of NAF for several hours to find a lasting solution to the clash.
“I am in a meeting over the clash. I cannot talk on it. It is the commander of the Nigerian Air Force that can talk on the matter,” he said on phone.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Zanna, said he had not been properly briefed and promised to contact Daily Sun after being briefed. He, however, did not respond to calls again as at the time of filing this report.
