On Saturday, April 16, 2025, Swali community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was gripped by fear and grief following a deadly attack by unidentified gunmen, contradicting reports that the incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 20. Among the victims was 32-year-old Agada, a furniture designer and Swali native, fatally shot in his home, contributing to the four deaths reported in the assault.
In an NTA interview, residents recounted the harrowing ordeal. Mrs. Joy Abajekwe described the terrifying moment when a gunman targeted her home.
“As he was shooting inside the room, I begged him not to shoot. I told him it was just me and my children in the house,” she pleaded. “Please don’t shoot, that’s my husband there.” The assailant fired into the backyard before fleeing, leaving the family unharmed but shaken.
Mrs. Abajekwe recalled the deceptive calm before the chaos, noting that just five minutes prior, the area seemed peaceful. Suddenly, a neighbor’s shouts alerted her to the shooting in her kitchen, shattering the tranquility. The attack has left Swali residents traumatized, with many, including Mr. James, calling for increased security deployments to restore safety in the community, which hosts Bayelsa’s largest market.
Ayibanenfa Egba, Yenagoa Constituency 1 representative, stressed that the government relies on actionable intelligence from residents to respond effectively, highlighting the limitations without such cooperation. Attempts to obtain police comments were unsuccessful, though prior reports noted enhanced security measures. The incident underscores Swali’s vulnerability, fueling demands for robust interventions to prevent further violence.
