On Tuesday, the elders and traditional rulers of Peremabiri Community in the Southern Ijaw Area of Bayelsa State dismissed as “false” a reported gun battle between ex-militants loyal to both the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the supplementary election in the State.
According to the elders of the Peremabiri Community, there were confrontations among some loyalists of the APC and the PDP following the arrival into the community of the foremost ex-militant leader, Eris Paul (AKA General Ogun boss). However,the community leaders claimed that the issue was quickly settled and peace has returned to Peremabiri Community.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Simeon Karibo, dismissed the claims of a heavy gun battle between ex-militants as false arguing that these claims were a calculated attempt to disenfranchise the people of the area.“Our community is peaceful contrary to reports being circulated and we are ready for the January 9th election,” Mr. Karibo stated.
SaharaReporters learned that on Tuesday the arrival of “General” Ogunboss, provoked panic among loyalists of the PDP and there were sounds of gun shots from a few ex-militant leaders loyal to the PDP.
One version of the report claimed that the Peremabiri Community came under attack by armed men dressed in military uniforms and Civil Defense Uniforms. These armed men released a volley of gunshots in panic upon the arrival of the ex-militant leader and his entourage.
However, “General” Ogunboss, according to another report, stayed away from his community of Peremabiri following alleged threats from armed youths believed to be loyal to certain party leaders in the area.
When “General” Ogunboss was contacted on the telephone he dismissed the report as the handi-work of elements loyal to the PDP.“ It is a propaganda. When I arrived in my community, some of the paid armed men took fled and shot into the air. Is that a shootout?” “General” Ogunboss asked.
He also claimed the armed boys were paid to stop him from entering his community.
The spokesman of the State Police Command, Astimin Butswat, declined to comment and said the details of the event are not “available”.
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