Fear gripped residents of Amarata, a densely populated suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday after the alleged killing of a police officer triggered a violent reprisal raid by security operatives.

Eyewitnesses said armed policemen stormed the Ompadec and Punch areas of Amarata in the early hours, firing shots, breaking into houses, and releasing tear gas. The raid reportedly forced terrified residents, including women and children, to flee their homes, leaving the neighbourhood largely deserted.

Mr Priye Julius, a broadcaster with Radio Bayelsa, and Mr Forsbray Inegha, a retired police officer, confirmed the incident, saying their homes were damaged. “They smashed our windows. Everybody is living in fear now because nobody knows what will happen next,” Julius told journalists.

Residents described the operation as chaotic, alleging that policemen arrested people indiscriminately, vandalised property, and disrupted school activities. A witness in one of the affected estates said two men, identified as Osigwe Chibeueze Valentine and Micheal Edward, were taken away during the raid.

“They broke into houses, damaged a PoS stand, and spread tear gas everywhere. Even schoolchildren were caught up in the chaos while people ran for their safety,” the resident recounted.

Community leaders have since appealed for restraint, warning that any escalation could spark wider unrest in Yenagoa. Amarata, like nearby Swali, has long been considered a flashpoint for clashes involving cult groups, gangs, and law enforcement agencies.

The slain officer was identified as Goodluck Oboh. His death has renewed concerns over security in the Bayelsa capital, with residents urging the state government and civil society organisations such as the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to intervene. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa State, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to track down the suspected killers.