Bayelsa Lawmakers Urge Tinubu To Probe Opu-Nembe Killings

The Bayelsa State caucus in the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to set up high powered commission of inquiry into the alleged killings and maiming of innocent citizens of Opu-Nembe community in Nembe local government area of the state.

The lawmakers said such commission should determine immediate and remote causes including the role of the Nigeria Police particularly the SWAT operatives; their source of funding and other individuals who played roles in the armed invasion to ensure the perpetrators are made to face the wrath of the law.

The caucus made these demands at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, addressed by Hon Marie Enenimiete Ebikake, the member representing Brass/Nembe federal constituency of Bayelsa State.

Ebikake condemned in its entirety the unprovoked killings and alleged that it may not be unconnected with the forthcoming governorship elections in the state in November 2023.

She noted that the unfortunate incident which occurred in August, was targeted at destroying the peace that the present administration led by Governor Douye Diri has brought to Bayelsa State and is enjoyed by all.

“We want to in the strongest terms condemn the 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.

“We want to use this opportunity to call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency empanel a high powered commission of inquiry on the immediate and remote causes including the 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.

“We wish to commend the immediate response of the Bayelsa State government led by His Excellency Senator Douye 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 the custody of the Nigeria Police at Abuja.

“May we, also, remind the IGP that a ‘sting’ operation of such nature carried out in total disregard of existing protocols, with regards to the role of the executive 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 stationed in the community over the years.

“We implore the commission of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the incident to determine the root cause of the crisis and proffer a permanent solution to these unfortunate incidents in Opu Nembe (Bassambiri).

“We also want to use this medium to appeal to families of those killed in the unfortunate incident to please remain calm and allow peace to reign in the kingdom. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call on all sons and daughters of Nembe to remain calm,” the lawmaker added.