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Opu- Nembe crisis: Ex- Fed lawmaker seeks justice, Police neutrality

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A former member representing Nembe/ Brass Federal Constituency, Hon Israel Sunny- Goli has called on the Inspector- General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to ensure neutrality in the investigation of the crisis that has engulfed Opu- Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Sunny- Goli in a press conference he addressed in Yenagoa insisted that until the root cause of the incessant upheavals in Opu Nembe is addressed, by ensuring that all the actors behind the crisis are brought to book, peace and order will remain elusive to the people of the community.

According to him the deployment of a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, has thrown the community into a state of palpable fear, anxiety, and mourning.

Sunny- Goli who recalled that the community was relatively peaceful aftermath the peace brokered by the Amanyanabo of Opu-Nembe Kingdom, King Biobelemoye Josiah, expressed sadness that the peace accord was violated on Wednesday, 15th February 2023 when certain individuals on Wednesday, 15th February 2023, decided to unleash mayhem, leaving scores injured and three dead.

According to him until those fingered for the February 15 2023 violence are arrested and prosecuted peace cannot be achieved.

He also called on the IGP to withdraw his team from Nembe over allegations of bias, noting that the state government Joint Task Force can resolve the security situation.

“Regrettably, the perpetrators of the 15th February 2023 unprovoked attack on unarmed Opu Nembe citizens have not been brought to justice, thus walking freely. I make bold to say that until justice is done, attaining and achieving long-lasting peace in Opu Nembe will remain wishful thinking.

“In the light of the above stated, I am calling on the Acting Inspector General of Police, to without bias, and for the sake of justice, ensure that all the actors behind the unrest in Opu Nembe (Bassambiri), are arrested and diligently prosecuted in order to serve as a deterrent to others, and restore peace and order to Opu Nembe Kingdom.

“May I also call on His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, to do all within his powers to ensure the restoration of peace and order to Opu Nembe kingdom, by prevailing on the authorities of the Nigerian Police Force to withdraw the tactical team sent to Opu Nembe, and in its place, set up a joint task force with a mandate to ensure the restoration of peace in the community, in order to allow all those who have fled from the community to return, and start living their normal lives. “

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Ihesiulo Grace

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