By Kingsley Omonobi
In the aftermath of the collateral damage inflicted on Ayakoromor Community by the Joint Task Force, JTF, for Niger Delta, as a result of the directive to flush out criminals masquerading as militants who have resumed illegal bunkering and kidnapping, President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the immediate reconstruction of houses destroyed during the operation.

Making this known in Abuja, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, noted that towards this end, he had directed Nigeria Army engineers to move to Ayakoromor to carry out an assessment of houses damaged as a result of the onslaught.

He pointed out that the Nigerian Army lost eight soldiers, while six civilians were confirmed killed in the operation by people on ground.

“What really happened was that our men returned fire to areas where they were shot from. In the process, some of the houses (Raffia Palm structures) which were ladened with fuel meant to be sold to speedboats and other riverine boats users, caught fire and burnt those structures.

“However, Mr. President in his magnanimity, has directed the Army to get those buildings reconstructed. Army engineers are in the area assessing the place and I am sure that in the next week or so, we will begin reconstruction.

“Already, relief materials as zinc, mattresses, building materials and others to help the internally displaced persons, have been sent there.”