..says perpetrators must be brought to book, serve as deterrent
By Tom Okpe
Bayelsa State Caucus of the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate alleged invasion of Opu-Nembe Community in Bayelsa State, killings by SWAT, a section of the Nigeria Police Force, saying perpetrators must be brought to book to serve as deterrent.
The Caucus said it condemned in the strongest terms, killing and maiming of innocent citizens in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, acting on the behest of individuals bent on destroying the existing peace with the invasion of Opu-Nembe, (Bassambiri) by men of the Nigerian Police Force, (SWAT) in a Gestapo fashion.
Led by four other House Members at a press conference at the National Assembly on Monday, Rep Marie Enenimiete Ebikake, representing, (Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency) said: “We want to use this opportunity to call on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency empanel a high powered commission of inquiry on the immediate and remote causes, including role of the Nigeria Police, particularly the SWAT department, their source of funding and other individuals who played roles in the armed invasion, to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.
“This will not only act as deterrent but also send a message to individuals with selfish agenda not to tarnish the image of your government and the democratic reputation you have brought into governance.”
Other members included Reps Agbedi Yeit -mone Frederick, Chairman and Mita Obordor as Secretary, also, Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw Constituency) and Obuku Abonsizibe Oforji, (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/OpokumFed Constituency).
“What happened at Opu-Nembe Community on the 12th of August, 2023 is politically motivated and targeted at destroying the peace that the prosperity administration, led by Senator Douye Diri has brought to the State, enjoyed by all.
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“We wish to commend the immediate response of the Bayelsa State government led Diri to the crisis and the effort to dilute the tension in the affected community.
“The raid caused death of innocent citizens and indiscriminate arrest and detention of scores of Opu Nembe, (Bassambiri) youths, who are presently in custody of the Nigeria Police at Abuja.
“May we, also, remind the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, that a ‘sting’ operation of such nature carried out in total disregard of existing protocols, with regards to role of the Governor as the chief security officer of the state, within his domain, in the clear absence of imminent threat to National Security is not only a threat to our democracy but raises questions of the presence of the Joint Security Task Force, (JSTF) stationed in the community over the years.
“We implore the commission of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the incident to determine root cause of the crisis and proffer a permanent solution to these unfortunate incidents in Opu Nembe, (Bassambiri).
The Caucus however, sympathised with the families that losses loved ones, calling on sons and daughters of Nembe Kingdom to allow peace to reign and remain calm.
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