Armed youths have attacked fishing camps situated at the boundaries of Bonny and Andoni, local government areas in Rivers State.
The hoodlums were said to have burnt houses and other properties belonging to the fishermen and their families.
The youths, who were allegedly armed with guns and cudgels, shot sporadically and injured the fleeing inhabitants of the camps.
Over 10 of the thugs, who were identified as Andoni youths, were said to have stormed the area in two speedboats.
The fishing camps, according to sources, were occupied by people from Okirika, Ogoni in Rivers State; Ifoko, Epelematubu, Ebeintubu, Forupaka, aka Ago Eri and Mumakiri, aka Ajengule.
Other occupants of the camps were Brass Nembe and Southern Ijaw from Bayelsa State; Ilaje from Ondo State and some tribes from Delta State.
One of the affected fisherman from Bayelsa State, said the camps had been sacked, adding that the fresh attack occurred on Thursday.
The source, who spoke in hushed tone from his hideout, said there was commotion, as the fishermen and their families ran into the forest for their safety.
He said: “The armed youths arrived at exactly 2:48pm, beating up every young man on sight and threatening to burn down the entire communities along the coast. Nobody can pinpoint the cause of their provocation. The government should do something fast to save lives.”
In a text message statement sent to our correspondent, the Federated Non-indigenous Fishermen, Farmers and Traders in Bonny Coast, called on the governments of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Ondo states to come to their rescue.
The statement said: “We have lived peacefully in Bonny lands and territories for more than 30 years, doing legitimate business without any form of molestation from Bonny youths, even in the heat of militancy in the Niger Delta region.