THISDAY

Bayelsa Guber: Shot Policeman Dies, Two Others in Intensive Care

Bayelsa election prone to violence, says coalition of CSOs

- EmmanuelAd­deh inYenagoa

The violence that occurred when some suspected hoodlums loyal to one of the parties in Bayelsa attacked a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rally in Nembe, Bayelsa, has claimed a police Inspector posted from the Mobile Police formation in Asaba, Delta State.

Achibugu Odagi, it was learnt, died of gunshot injuries he received from the thugs who unleashed mayhem on PDP members during the campaign rally when the Governor, S er iake Dick son and the PDP candidate, Douye Diri had yet to arrive the venue.

This is as a coalition of Civil Society Organisati­ons, (CSO) under the umbrella of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room said yesterday that despite several warnings, chances that the Bayelsa election would be marred by violence was still very high.

The shooting was at the King

KokoSqu are venue of an aborted PDP rally In Ogbolomabi­ri, N em be, while the body had since been deposited at the Nembe General Hospital

Another of his colleagues, Mr. Odo do mu was said to still be batt ling for his life after surviving the attack with a gunshot wound on his leg. Two other policemen are critically injured and are battling to survive, it was learnt.

A source said that several other people were still missing with growing worries from unconfirme­d reports that the thugs ripped open the stomach of their victims and threw them into the nearby river

However, it was gathered that medical personnel had started dischargin­g several of the victims at the Specialist­s Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Yen ago a.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Anthony Ogbizi, who regretted the killing, has vowed to apprehend suspected hoodlums who killed the police officer and injured two other cops at the Nembe rally.

"What happened in Nembe is unfortunat­e because these are police officers who planned togo for their primary assignment of ensuring that the election process is conducted free and fair and they were attacked by militants, but that is a statement we' ve taken care of and justice will be done.

"Nembe area is no longer a no-go-area. You are here and you are used to militancy. I will only advise that, that doesn't pay. Killing their fellow brothers is not the option. Whoever wins is still an Ijaw, is still a Bayelsan so why are they taking up arms against themselves?

"And then why are you taking up arms against peace officers who are here to did their work? But notwithsta­nding, you can see the massive deployment that is going on and is complete.

"Every area we have deployed security agents to ensure that enabling environmen­t is provided.

“Every Bayelsan is assured of his security. They should not be afraid, but come out and cast their votes.And I want to advise that after casting their votes, they should go back to their respective homes and wait for the outcome of the election," he said.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria