From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has assured the family of slain 26-year-old Daniel Ayama that the state government will ensure they get justice.
Governor Diri gave the assurance on Wednesday when he visited the family over the killing of the fresh graduate of the Federal University, Otuoke, on May 16 at the INEC Junction in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The family claimed policemen were responsible for his death while the police authorities in the state said he was a victim of cult groups rivalry.
Senator Diri, who commiserated with the family at their residence in Kpansia, Yenagoa, said a thorough investigation will be conducted to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
The governor said the state’s Special Committee on Security and Human Rights Violations has commenced investigation into the matter and directed the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to be involved in the probe.
He said: “For now there are two sides to the report of Daniel Ayama’s murder and government will not take sides. Government is not interested in whether the police was allegedly responsible or it was a case of cult-related shooting.
“I know we have a Commissioner of Police that is responsible, apolitical, and has been maintaining peace and security in the state. But once you have this kind of report, the police need to step aside.
“This is a case of shooting and we want our law enforcement agencies to be strictly professional. It is sad to hear this type of allegation against a professional body that is expected to ensure peace and security of lives.”
The state’s helmsman also said that government had taken over the treatment of three other victims that sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and prayed God to grant the Ayama family the fortitude to bear the loss of their son.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Smart Ayama expressed gratitude to the governor and his entourage for the visit.
Mr. Ayama said there were protests following the incident but that the family decided against further demonstration as it would not bring back their son. He however called for justice to be done on the matter.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, her counterparts on Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, Special Duties (Bayelsa West), Michael Magbisa, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, as well as the Technical Adviser on Treasury, Revenue and Accounts, Timipre Seipulou among other top government functionaries.
