It was a scene of chaos in Yeghe community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night, as soldiers turned the community upside down while looking for former militant leader, Solomon Ndighara.
According to reports, the soldiers shot sporadically into the air and ransacked the ex-militant’s house, which they later razed.
Residents of the community, who did not want to be caught in the fracas, escaped to neighbouring communities as the soldiers took over the surroundings of the ex-warlord’s house.
It was gathered that Ndighara was not at home when the soldiers arrived, which prevented what could have been a potentially explosive confrontation.
Also, the soldiers invaded some communities in Khana Local Government Area, leaving many injured as they tried to flee.
In what was believed to be a retaliatory move, boys loyal to Ndighara stormed the campaign headquarters of Senator Magnus Abe in Bori, Khana LGA and set it ablaze.
Sources said the youths attacked the office because of their belief that Abe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Rivers South-East senatorial zone, had a hand in soldiers’ invasion of Ndighara’s house.
The Army is yet to issue a statement on the operation.