Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
Fighting resumed Sunday in the old township areas of Port Harcourt between forces loyal to Ateke Tom, leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante and Soboma George, leader of a newly created cult group known to some as the Outlaws.
* dynamites explode at will
* 3 persons die in fighting
* Tension mounts everywhere
* 'Yellow Man' escapes death
Fighting resumed Sunday in the old township areas of Port Harcourt between forces loyal to Ateke Tom, leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante and Soboma George, leader of a newly created cult group known to some as the Outlaws.
Sunday' fighting was the second within a space of three days. And observers say it appeared to have all the trappings of a revenge mission.
Thursday, an attack had been launched in the Borikiri area, precisely around Etche and Kolokuma Streets at about 11.30. In no time, it had spread to the Yam Zone and Ndoki Estate where Ateke has a house.
In that encounter which seemed to have gone the way of Soboma forces, Napoleon Amangabaza alias 'Tata' was gunned down along Etche Street in Borikiri.
A provision seller Mallam Musa was equally killed at Yam Zone and residents in the area said those who killed him had wanted to make away with his cash proceeds.
His refusal to comply with their request cost him his life. Onyekachi Nna was not so lucky. He was kidnaped from his Yam Zone residence and has not been seen since then.
Sunday, forces believed to be loyal to the Godfather struck. On-the-ground sources allege the operation may have been led by three commanders of the Vigilante.
They gave their names as Tinton, Kunu Point One and Iyalla. The Telegraph has not been able however, to confirm this.
A number of casualties were reported Sunday. At Bishop Johnson Street, a woman lost three of her children. Her sorrow knew no bounds as she wept.
Three persons believed to be cultists were killed. One of them died at New Road in the Borikiri part of town.
Another gave up the ghost at Baptist Waterside following fierce fighting which sent residents around the area running for cover .
It was hell, said one resident who resides close to the garri market, "We just prayed God Almighty would protect us as the bullets flew overhead and people screamed as they made haste to get out of the way."
The third victim of the fighting reportedly got hit by bullets at Ibadan waterfront. Another person whose name we are yet to confirm was seized by some youthful elements, numbering about sixteen.
At Ndoki Estate, two sticks of dynamite exploded adding to the commotion as the earth shook and guns boomed. Yellowman, got hit by bullets, according to what we have heard.
But his associates bundled him off the war zone in search of treatment.
At Creek Road where the police has quarters, eyewitnesses told this publication that policemen resident there fled to avoid being killed.
The city was quiet Sunday night as at the time of going to press.
There were however, reports that Elegam Face, the Mile III based cult group had joined Ateke in hunting Soboma's associates.
Associates of Soboma told the Telegraph that one Solobanter and Jonah alias Eleleh were among those who were going around allegedly with the police to arrest persons who have refused to be part of the Niger Delta Vigilante group.
While the fight was on, armed youths within the Rex Lawson axis of Borikiri fired gunshots into the air in order to scare away fighters from both sides who would have strayed into their polo.
In the meantime, government agents have stepped up efforts in a bid to catch all those who may be behind the latest unrest in the city. They are said to be worried by the nature and quality of policing.