By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—Tragedy struck, yesterday, in the waterways of Bayelsa State as two policemen were killed in renewed pirates attack.

Three other policemen, however, escaped death by the whiskers in the attack described as the deadliest in recent times against the police in the predominantly riverine state.

Vanguard gathered that the tragic incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, along the Ogu creek, some distance from the Daewoo Oil Servicing firm in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The attack came on the heels of renewed public outcry against the resurgence of piracy along the creeks of the state.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent, who visited the Swali waterfront, that the deceased security operatives were members of the police marine department on routine surveillance.

According to witnesses, the policemen were on patrol of the waterways, following series of complaints from members of the public about the renewed onslaught by suspected pirates when they were ambushed by the hoodlums.

It was learnt that the pirates on sighting the police patrol boat allowed it to come close before opening fire on the occupants, killing two on the spot while three others were said to have jumped into the river to escape.

The remains of the deceased policemen have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre mortuary.
Contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eguavoen Emokpae confirmed the incident.