By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have restored calm in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the interception of suspected diesel thieves and a subsequent unrest by youths in the area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 6:50 a.m. on March 27 when troops of 2 Brigade, OPDS, responded to intelligence reports of illegal siphoning of diesel from heavy-duty equipment belonging to Sterling Petroleum and Fertilizer Limited Company at Ukpe Ete.
The source disclosed that troops arrested a driver conveying the stolen product during the operation.
He added that while the suspect and the recovered exhibit were being taken for further interrogation, some youths in the community reportedly barricaded the road in an attempt to free the suspect and disrupt the operation.
According to the source, the situation escalated as the youths allegedly threw bottles and stones at the troops, forcing them to fire warning shots in order to disperse the crowd.
The source said a suspected ring leader was identified during the confrontation and sustained a gunshot injury to the leg before being evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
He further stated that the youths reportedly vandalised vehicles and attacked company trucks passing through the area before reinforcements were deployed to restore order.
The source added that during subsequent exploitation of the area, troops discovered an unidentified corpse believed to be that of a driver linked to the company, with a coffin placed beside it.
He said the corpse was evacuated to the mortuary by the police, while investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The source reaffirmed that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy restored, adding that security surveillance in the area remained intensified.
