From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Tragedy, again, struck in the wee hours of yesterday, at Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, when a military gunboat crushed to death Mr Odi Lyon, younger brother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in 2019 elections, Chief David Lyon, and four policemen.
The younger Lyon from Olugbobiri community in Southern Ijaw was the Operations Manager of Darlon Oil Surveillance Company.
Sources said the ill-fated 200 horsepower engine boat was heading towards Korokorosei community, but stopped briefly for a reason yet to be ascertained, when the military gunboat rammed into it between Okumugbene and Ondewari River.
A passenger in the boat identified as Ogbojimo, who also works for David Lyon, was said to have been lucky as he dived into the water to escape death. One of the policemen, who swam into safety, sustained fatal injuries and died on the way to the health centre at Olugbobiri.
The Bayelsa State Police Command, through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Asinim Butswat, in a statement, confirmed the incident, but said the boat capsized. He said the police have recovered the body of the policeman who died on the way to the hospital, while three others have been declared missing.
“One policeman’s body was recovered, while three are missing. The Command is yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. Divers have been deployed to the area for possible rescue of the missing persons,” he said.