Soldiers numbering over 30 have invaded Okomoko community in Etche Local Government Area of River State, arresting more than 20 persons over the abduction of a female officer.
Community sources told Standard Observers that the soldiers raided the community on Sunday, arresting community leaders and other youths following the abduction of the officer said to be a major.
It was gathered that the kidnappers took photographs of the officer unclad and sent them to her family members and colleagues for ransom.
According to military sources, the abduction and the naked pictures incensed officers at the 6 division of the Nigerian army Port Harcourt who mobilized troops to the community where the female colleague was said to be held and arrested their leaders.
She was subsequently released after her family in a separate deal paid N600,000 ransom to the abductors.
But troops raided the community again on Tuesday, demanding the refund of the ransom paid or they would arrest more indigenes of the community.
A community source whose father was among the arrested leaders said the incident caused panic not just in the community but neighbouring Umuanayagu community.
He said that for fear of arrest, residents of the two communities have deserted their homes while the local government authority has waded into the incident.
When contacted, a representative of Etche Local Government Council said the Council Chairman, Obinna Nwanyanwu has waded into the matter and the dispute would be resolved soon.
