Residents of Amarata area of Yenagoa were terrified on Wednesday morning, following gunshots by a policeman attached to the Bayelsa Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Benson Agadaga.

The police detail who fired three shots that got residents anxious also slapped a driver who took his newborn baby to a clinic in the neighbourhood.

It was gathered that the policeman assaulted the man in the presence of his wife, his newborn baby and two of his kids.

The armed policeman hurriedly removed his uniform and changed to plain clothes to shield his identity and name.

The incident was sequel to an argument between the man that was coming out of the clinic located close to where the policeman was stationed.

Narrating the incident, a source who pleaded anonymity said the action of the policeman was unjustified adding that it was insensitive for the sake of the sick children whom their parents brought to the hospital.

The source said: “Trouble started when the man was about turning his vehicle in front of the Chief of Staff’s residence, which is also an access road to the neighbourhood.

“The policeman now asked why he should go there. As they were arguing, what I saw was a slap in the man’s face. The wife with her newborn baby approached the man to ask why he should do that to her husband.

“Immediately the securityman released some gunshots into the air maybe to scare them away.

“As for me, I believe we are not more safe in this our area, as the policeman in question normally parades the area with his weapon aimlessly most time.”

Another eyewitness who also condemned the incident advised the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, to caution the officer attached to the Chief of Staff because of his temperament.

“Come to think of it how will he slap a man in front of his wife and children, because of parking right, I is not acceptable at all.

“Please, the Police Commissioner should ensure to know the behaviour of most of his officers serving under him,” he stated.

When contacted, SP, Asinim Butswat Spokesman for the Bayelsa Command, said that he was out of town but pledged to verify the incident and respond as soon as possible.