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From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A combined team of military troops, armed policemen and operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were drafted to major roads in Biogbolo, Opolo and Okutukutu, on Tuesday, as the attack on Igbo residents and traders entered the second day in the state.
The attack which started, on Monday, was triggered by the death of one Faith aged 18 years who was said to have been lured into an hotel by one Tochukwu who allegedly stabbed her while trying to cut off her breast.
Residents of the area where Faith resides were irked over the development and mobilized to attack Igbo traders in the area but the armed Policemen drafted to the area prevented the total breakdown of law and order by stopping the attacks
However, Opolo and Biogbolo youths mobilised on Tuesday morning and attacked Igbo traders destroying good and property while some hoodlums seized the opportunity to loot.
Some Igbo traders attempted to resist the attacks and it lead to a full blown fracas with Opolo and Biogbolo youths brandishing dangerous weapons which they used in chasing out the Igbo residents.
According to investigations the Bayelsa State Government ordered a security reinforcement and deployment of soldiers to ensure peace returns to the area.
The whole stretch of Biogbolo to Opolo to Okutukutu roads were deserted as all shops owned by Igbo traders were under lock and key and many of them had vacated their homes over fears of being attacked.
Armed Policemen were seen removing some of the barricade mounted by the angry youths, while soldiers have been deployed to Tombia roundabout to prevent the crisis from reaching there.
Sources at the Police headquarters said the Police aside assuring the people that the suspect would be apprehended has appealed for calm from youths groups in the area.
A scheduled meeting that would include the Chiefs councils, youths groups and the Igbo community leadership is expected to be convened to put an end to the crisis.
