By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT— There was heavy shooting around New GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, a day after military personnel clashed with militants  in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state, in which about nine persons were feared killed.

In New GRA, Port Harcourt, it was gathered that the shooting created tension in the area as people ran for safety.

At press time, motorists were trapped in major traffic on adjoining streets in the area.

When contacted, the state Police spokesman, Mr Ahmad Muhammad, said the operation was still on, adding that he could only give a clear picture of what was happening at the end of the operation.

But speculations among motorists in traffic was that a new generation bank in New GRA was attacked by robbers.

Vanguard gathered that policemen were on the trail of the suspected robbers.

Meanwhile, calm has returned to Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area.

Residents who spoke to Vanguard said about nine persons allegedly died during Tuesday’s invasion of the area by the military.

According to the residents who did not want their names in print, a 12-year-old boy was among those killed. They said the boy was caught in a cross fire at a spot close to the state-owned Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori.

Another source alleged that soldiers were going round hospitals in search of patients with bullet wounds for arrest in Bori.

A text message from our reporter to the spokesman, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt Barracks, Captain Lazarus Eli, for comments on the allegation had not been responded to at press time.

Meantime, Chairman of Gokhana Local Government Area of the state, Mr Austin Sor, said it was unfortunate that the military would say there was no casualty on its side and the communities invaded.

He said several deaths were recorded.

Chairman of Khana LGA, Mr Tambari Sydney, who also spoke, condemned the military operation.