50 allegedly wounded as soldiers raid Delta community

OVER 50 persons were purportedly wounded, yesterday, when soldiers invaded Ebeberegbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State in search of gunmen, who seized two expatriates working for Setraco Construction Company at Gbaregolor community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, since November 25.

Reports from the area said the soldiers, acting on intelligence, stormed the riverine community at about 6.20 am with gunboats, shooting sporadically into the air, as they laid siege and broke into houses.

A community source said about six persons, namely, Mrs. Sabina Otomene, Freetown French, Nigeria Joseph, Tamarapahgha Tony, Andie Ambrose and John, were arrested and taken away,while an undisclosed number of persons were missing.

While the operation lasted, a leader of the community, who spoke to newsmen from hiding, Mr. Pius Fielei, said the entire community was in disarray, saying the people were not harboring kidnappers and wondered why soldiers came to harass innocent persons.

His words, “They came with axes with which they broke down doors and were destroying houses. They carted away two 40 horsepower engines, one 75 horsepower engine and looted belongings of people”.