Bayelsa State Government condemns killings of soldiers

Bayelsa State Government has commiserated with the Nigerian Military over the brutal killing of three soldiers by armed bandits at Nembe City in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing the people of Nembe at the King Koko Square, Nembe, Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the killing of the soldiers was senseless, barbaric and not in the best interest of the government and people of the State, especially the peace loving people of Nembe.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, described the incident as mos painful and unfortunate, pointing out that, a similar one occurred in July, last year, where soldiers were attacked at the same security check-point in Nembe, resulting in deaths.

He noted that, he he took it upon himself to visit the scene of the incident to console and engage the military authorities, with a view to dousing the palpable tension in the community, occasioned by the sad incident.

While urging members of the community, who have fled to return home, he called on youths and other stakeholders to collaborate with the military authorities, in order to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book, he also pleaded with the clergy to continue to pray for lasting peace in the community.

Also speaking, the Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral J. O. Okojie, assured the people of Nembe that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be made to account for their mindless actions, adding that his men were already on their trail.

He, however, urged members of the community to volunteer useful information to the military authorities, stressing that, innocent citizens would not be molested.

Earlier in their separate speeches, Hon. Ebi Ben-Ololo, Member, Representing Nembe Constituency I in the State House of Assembly; Chief Bright Erewari-Iweka, Vice-Chairman, Nembe Council of Chiefs and Chief Walter Feghabo-Amain, all condemned the killing of the soldiers and also expressed their condolences to the military authorities.

They also recalled that since the coming of the Military Joint Task Force to Nembe, the community had enjoyed relative peace, stressing that, members of the community would continue to co-operate with the military, with a view to ensuring that, the perpetrators are are apprehended and made to face the law.

The deputy governor was accompanied by Hon. Ben Ololo of the State House of Assembly, Representing Nembe Constituency I; Hon. Jonathan Obuebite , Commissioner of Information and Orientation and Chief Kuroghofa Ben-Wari , Chairman, Nembe Local Government Council, among others.