By Elo Edremoda, Warri
There is palpable tension in Tuomo community, Burutu council area of Delta State following a reported clash between military men and suspected pirates on Sunday night.
According to a community source, a soldier and two of the pirates were killed in the attack around 10:30pm.
It was gathered the suspects, who came in a speedboat, planned to loot the armoury at the military checkpoint in the area.
The pirates were said to have opened fire on the soldiers who swiftly repelled them.
The ensuing gun duel reportedly led to the death of a soldier and two members of the gang while one of the fleeing pirates was arrested.
The incident came few days after reports of a similar one in Egbema kingdom, Warri North council area.
An uncertain number of soldiers as well as about four members of the Egbema Peace Corps were allegedly killed by suspected pirates led by an unidentified ex-militant.
Confirming Sunday’s incident, an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on political matters, Austin Ozobo, who hails from the area, condemned the attack.
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He told The Nation: “Yes, you know Tuomo has a military checkpoint. Some sea bandits came in a 150 Horsepower speedboat at 10:30p.m and attacked the military men.
“When they got there, they opened fire. The military men were on alert also and they immediately returned fire. But in the ensuing battle, one soldier died. Two bandits also died.
“And because of the response, they (pirates) were unable to loot the armoury, so they turned back. One of the fleeing bandits who sustained bullet injury was apprehended.
“The one that was captured is with the military. We condemn the attack.”
It was gathered residents of Tuomo community are running helter skelter to avoid being targets should the military invade the community over the incident.
When contacted, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of 63 Brigade Headquarters, Asaba, Captain George Okupe, promised to give details of the incident once the information was available but was yet to do so as at the time of filing this report.
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