Search for Pirates Lead to Deaths
Over 20 houses razed
Nigerian soldiers torched more than 20 homes in a community in the oil-rich Niger Delta after “suspected pirates” killed six people, security sources and residents said Tuesday.
Gunmen on Sunday attacked a gunboat escorting a vessel in the volatile waters off the Nigerian coast, a Nigerian security source disclosed.
“During the ensuing gun battle, four of the soldiers and two civilians on board the vessel were killed,” the source said.
Security forces launched a manhunt for the assailants focused on the nearby community of Lutugbene in the wake of the attack.
“Soldiers stationed at the Beneside Flow station on Monday afternoon invaded Lutugbene community claiming to be on the manhunt for suspected sea pirates that attacked their boat,” community leader Austin Ozobo stated.
“The soldiers ended up burning a minimum of 21 houses.”
