BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA
YENAGOA — UNEASY calm, Monday, pervades the riverine Okoroma settlement in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the reported killing of a policeman by some hoodlums.

Though there were conflicting account of the tragic incident, one version had it that the killing was triggered following the alleged death of a community youth caused by accidental discharge from the policeman’s rifle.

Another account had it that some hoodlums took advantage of a fracas caused by disagreement over the burial rite of a prominent chief in the area.

The deceased policeman, it was learnt, was part of a15 man squad deployed in the area to maintain law and order following the rising tension among the community folks over the burial rite of the late chief described as a first traditional ruler.

Although the identity of the deceased policeman and the youth allegedly hit by flying bullet could not be ascertained, a security source said the slain officer identified as a corporal was shot death by some hoodlums following a fracas that erupted during the burial ceremony of the chief.

The development, it was learnt, yesterday led to the reinforcement of security in the troubled area while the remains of the deceased officer have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the killing of the policeman.

The police spokesman who dismissed claim of accidental discharge as being peddled in some quarters said the policeman was among a team drafted to strengthened security in the area ahead of the burial of the late chief.

His words, “there was no accidental discharge. Our policemen was murdered by hoodlums from the community. we are investigating and we will fish out the perpetrators by God’s grace.