Two men were killed and a woman seriously wounded at Idama (Ekulama Community), Akuku Toru Council of Rivers State when gunmen sailing in speedboats opened fire on the waterfront of the community.
Althouth the identity of the attackers could not be ascertained, Vanguard sources however said the men are suspected to be from a neighbouring community in the area.
The victims of the unexpected attack were said to be lazying about the waterfront �around 10 a.m, last week, when the sounds of gunfire were heard, causing pandemonium in the sleepy town.
A man who described himself as �one of the guardians of Idama�, told Vanguard that the attack was not unconnected with the running battle between Ekulama and Kula towns over the years.
He said �there have been series of attacks, killings and constant harassment of people from my community by armed Kula youths. Many lives have been lost in the past over the trouble concerning that land the Kula people are laying claim to.
Our fishermen and women can no longer carry out fishing freely. It is always one tale or the other from the fishermen. But I am telling you that this thing is getting out of hand. Just look at this young people who have been murdered in cold blood.�
Contacted, Police PRO, Ireju Barasua, a DSP, said it had �to do with two communities fighting over land. Yes two people were killed last Friday. I cannot tell you in detail now because it has to do with land. Some youths actually shot and killed people there�, she said.
It was also learnt that some Kula youths once invaded Darima settlement following which scores of people, including women, children and the weak were �treated like slaves and sub-humans.
“What we are experiencing in Idama is like what used to happen to Nigerians in Bakassi when it was in the hands of the gendarmes. These people seize our speedboats, kill our people, drown our children without any just cause�, the Idama guardian said.
However, DSP Barasua said the police were firmly in control of the situation, stating that the incident of attacking one another �has been brought under control. Shooting has stopped and it has stopped�, she said.
Jun62006