Bayelsa insecurity: Criminals days are numbered – Dickson, says ‘We ‘ll flush them out’
Taiwo Owoeye
Bayelsa State Governor Hon. Seriake Dickson, has expressed determination to stem the tide of violence, criminality and brigandage by persons within and outside the state, saying their days are numbered.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said he gave the warning during a meeting with traditional rulers, chairmen of Community Development Committees and representatives of the various security agencies in Yenagoa.
The Governor, who stressed the need to curb the spate of criminal activities such as kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and the attack on law enforcement agents in the state, called on the people to work closely with security agencies towards apprehending the perpetrators.
Speaking on the recent killing of three security operatives in the state, Dickson recalled the military invasion of Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Odioma in Brass Local Government Areas, adding that the incidents should serve as a lesson to all other communities.
He, therefore, called on community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to maintain law and order in their domains to avert a recurrence, stressing that, security is a collective responsibility for all.
Dickson said, “Nobody within and outside the state would be allowed to create havoc and make Bayelsa to be a place for violence and bloodshed.”
The governor also condemned the rate of kidnapping in recent times, restating the government’s position on the payment of ransom, as negotiating with kidnappers would also be a crime in the state.
He also decried the activities of oil pipeline vandals, which he noted, was adversely affecting the revenue base of the state, coupled with the degradation of the environment and called on those engaged in the act to desist forthwith.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the meeting, King Okpoitari Diongoli, Ebedaowei of Opokuma kingdom, King Mozi Agara, Ebedaowei of Kolokuma clan and King Funpere Akah, Ebenanaowei of Gbarain clan, urged the government to strengthen the traditional institution to partner with security agencies to foster peace and stability in their areas.
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Agbobiri-Okordia clan, Mr. New-World Elekele spoke on the need to empower community leaders to enable them complement the efforts of security agents.
Representatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, the State Police Command, the Nigerian Air Force, the Central Naval Command, Director of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Chief Boma Spero Jack also attended the meeting.