There is tension in Ndele community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the arrival of troops of the Nigerian army after the alleged attack on their personnel.
Already, several residents have reportedly fled their village over fears of reprisal attacks by the operatives.
It was gathered that trouble started when two soldiers were allegedly attacked and disarmed by some members of a local vigilante group in the local government, with their rifles reportedly taken away on Saturday night.
The soldiers, who were deployed to guard crude oil pipeline installations in the area, are believed to have had an altercation with some of the vigilante members in the community.
Residents reported hearing gunshots, even as they said the soldiers’ uniforms were also carted away along with their rifles.
It is not yet clear if any of the individuals involved in the altercation sustained any gunshot injuries.
However, the local government chairman, Chidi Lloyd, reportedly confirmed the situation.
He said: “Yes, I am aware that soldiers have laid siege to Ndele community. When I investigated further, I was told that there is a notorious criminal there who disarmed two soldiers and took their rifles. When you disarm a Nigerian soldier you must expect collateral damage.”