Death toll in Rivers shootings rises to 20

Death toll in the gunfight between soldiers and militants in Gokana and Khana

Local Government Area of Rivers State has risen to 18.

Though different figures had been quoted by some people in Ogoniland on the number of persons killed in the clash, the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army insisted on Wednesday that nobody died during the operations in Yeghe, Gokana LGA.

Soldiers attached to the Brigade had on Monday raided the residence of a former militant leader in Yeghe community, Solomon Ndigbara, obviously in search of the ex-warlord.

The raid led to a gun battle between the soldiers and militants suspected to be Ndigbara’s supporters.

On Tuesday, four persons, including two soldiers were feared dead while some indigenes of the Gokana and Khana fled to neighbouring communities for safety.

But a source in Gokana, said at least 18 persons had been killed during the shootings.

The source, who said the death toll might increase today, added that the number of injured persons had not been confirmed.