From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government on Monday condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of an Egweama Indigene, Mr Collins Kuromie-ayebaye at Beletiama community in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the condemnation at an emergency meeting with community stakeholders from Beletiama and Egweama, security agencies as well as government functionaries in Government House, Yenagoa, over the sad development.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, condoled the bereaved family, describing the murder of Mr. Collins, popularly known as Laku, as barbaric and provocative.
The Deputy Governor, however, appealed to the people of Egweama Community to remain calm as the state government had swung into action, adding that the suspect, one Mr Kina John, had already been arrested and currently in the custody of the Nigerian Navy.
He directed that the Police and other security agencies to deploy and remain in the area for some time to forestall the breakdown of law and order in Egweama and Beletiama communities.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who charged the Nigeria Police to be thorough in the performance of their duties, urged them to properly investigate the killing of Mr Collins on Sunday, and another Egweama woman, Madam Amazige Ayebaesin, some few weeks ago.
His words: “For the police, I believe the Navy will soon hand over the suspect to you so that you will take up the matter. You should tie into the ongoing investigation into the murder of the woman, which is gradually gravitating towards ritual killing.
“The question is, ritual killing at whose instance? That is part of the issues I really want you to look into. I also want the police, army and navy to deploy to the affected area and remain there for some time to enable us restore substantial peace in the area.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has set up a high-powered delegation to visit Beletiama, Egweama and Okpoma communities within the week to convey the condolences of the state government to the bereaved families.
The delegation,which is to be chaired by the Member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Dr Charles Daniel, has the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, and her transport counterpart, Hon. Preye Broderick as members.
Other members are the Commissioners for Community Development, Chief Alfred Watson Belemote, and that of Special Duties (East), Hon. Alalibo West.
The team also has the Chairman of Brass LGA, Mr. Lucky Febo; the Special Advisers on Security, CP Akpoebi Agberebi; and Mr Ngobiowei Awoikiegha, the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS, Commander NNS Soroh, and Commander of 16th Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Others include, the Coordinator, State Community Safety Corps, Brig. General Eric Angaye (Rtd), and the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Engineer-keme Didi.
Speaking at the meeting, the Member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Charles Daniel thanked the state government for its prompt response and appealed to the communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area.
Others who spoke at the meeting including the Chairman, Egweama Council of Chiefs, Chief Stephen Igere, his Beletiama counterpart, Chief Iwokura Temple, Mr. Joseph Emmanuel and Chief Emmanuel Eton, all condemned the dastardly killing and called for proper investigation and justice.
