The Bayelsa State Caucus in House of Representatives has decried the alleged invasion, indiscriminate arrest, detention and killings of Opu-Nembe youths in Nembe Local government area of the State by police.
The chairman of the caucus, Hon. Agbedi Yeit -mone Frederick, who was flnaked by Hon. Mita Obordor, Hon. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, and Hon. Obuku Abonsizibe Oforji disclosed this while addressing a joint press conference on Monday in Abuja.
Frederick, therefore called for a 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).
He stated: “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.”
The lawmaker noted that what happened at Opu-Nembe community on the 12th of August, 2023 was politically motivated and targeted at destroying the peace that the administration of Senator Douye Diri has brought to the State which is enjoyed by all.
The caucus commended the immediate response of to the crisis and the effort to difuse the tension in the affected community.
It stated: “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.”
The caucus called on President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency set up a 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.
It stated: “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.”