9th August, 2015
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
The Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson has condoled with the Chief of Army Staff. Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and the families of the four slain soldiers and a policeman by unknown gunmen suspected to be pirates over the weekend in the state and has vowed to partner with security agencies to fish out the killers.
A Government House statement, signed by Daniel Iwariso Markson, Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the governor expressed serious regret over the incident and assured that, the administration will partner with the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act, stressing that, no stone will be left unturned to bring the killers to justice.
The statement condemned the attack on the nation’s security agencies, describing the act as mindless and most barbaric.
The CPS said a letter personally signed by Governor Dickson has already been dispatched to the Chief of Army Staff to express the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of the State.
The Bayelsa State Governor also assured the families of the slain officers that, their loved ones and benefactors did not die in vain, noting that, they died as gallant officers, while in active service to their fatherland and prayed for the repose of their souls.
The State Government, however, urged Bayelsans not despair, as it will continue to do everything within its powers to stem the new wave of insecurity being orchestrated by a click of mindless and disgruntled politicians, who want to wrest power by all means from a performing Governor in the person of Hon. Seriake Dickson.
The statement reads: “All these acts of insecurity and brigandage are intended to put fear in the minds of the people, ahead of the December 2015 governorship election and we call on Bayelsans to remain steadfast and be law abiding as well as go about their businesses”.
As a Government, we worked so hard and committed a lot of our State’s resources to achieve the peace, we have been enjoying and it is sad to observe that, because of their political ambitions, some persons want to perpetuate violence, brigandage and insecurity across the State”.
It called on Bayelsans to collectively condemn and reject the emerging trend of violence and insecurity in parts of the State, stressing that, if not checked, the people would be made to pay dearly for it.
Some gunmen sacked the base of the Joint Task Force,JTF,killed four soldiers and one Police man at their base in Nembe and carted away their weapons.