Fear has taken hold of Amarata, a neighborhood in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after a police officer, Obot Godwin, was reportedly killed by suspected criminals.
The attack happened around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, while the officer was buying medicine in the area, which is known for clashes between rival cult groups.
Reports said Obot was robbed of his phone and begged the thieves to return it, but he was struck on the head and died instantly.
Following the killing, police carried out raids in the OMPADEC Street area and nearby streets, breaking into homes, making arrests, and firing shots into the air.
Residents, including schoolchildren, were reportedly tear-gassed during the police operations.
Amarata, one of the most crowded neighborhoods in Yenagoa, has experienced ongoing violent crimes, but security agencies are said to have ignored the situation until Obot’s death.
Some residents have fled the community, while traders closed their shops and families locked their doors due to fear of further police actions.
A local resident said windows were smashed during the raids and the neighborhood now fears more violence.
Another resident, a tailor, explained that people are constantly running from danger. “This morning, we had to run again. They just killed someone, and even the chief has been arrested. They said they might come back in the evening,” he said.
Priye Julius, a broadcaster with Radio Bayelsa, witnessed the incident and confirmed that the area was calm by noon, but tensions remain high.
Another resident said two people were forcibly taken from his mini-estate: a businessman whose wife works in a bank and a young man employed at Bayelsa Park. He added that houses were broken into, and men and women were taken into custody.
There is growing concern that the events could spark a wider breakdown of law and order in the capital.
Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson Musa Mohammed confirmed the killing, saying police are on the ground and investigations are ongoing to catch the suspects.
“Yes, it’s a serious incident. The area is calm now, but police teams are working, and the investigation continues,” he stated.
