Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State government has called for calm in Opu-Nembe community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the raid on the community by security operatives late Saturday.
The state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ayibaina Duba on Sunday said the incident may not be unconnected with the upcoming November, 11 gubernatorial elections in the state.
It alleged that there are some elements with a desire to impose their will on the voters of the area.
The state government however urged the people of the community and all residents of the state to remain calm as it continues to work with the police to bring perpetrators to book.
The state government also called the Police to begin an immediate investigation aimed at unravelling the identity of the perpetrators and their sponsors.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Bayelsa State Government has been called to the Saturday 12th August 2023 unfortunate security situation in Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) creating a serious sense of insecurity, panic, and fear among the people of the community.
“There is the suspicion that the attack on the community is not unconnected with the upcoming November, 11 gubernatorial elections in the state and the crude desire of some unpopular politicians to impose their will on the voters of the area.
“The State Government wishes to enjoin the people of Bassambiri in Nembe Local Government Area and indeed all residents of the state to remain calm as government will continue to work with the police and its sister agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.
“The Bayelsa State Government calls on the Inspector General of Police to cause an immediate investigation aimed at unravelling the identity of these criminals, and their sponsors, who have continued to undermine public peace in Nembe.
“It is time to stop handling the tormentors of the Nembe people with a kid glove.
“The police high command must be on top of the situation without further delay.”
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Police Command has through its spokesperson, SP Asinim Butswat maintained that the police in a joint operation with SWAT operatives from Abuja on Saturday night arrested some suspects connected with the incident, recovering some arms and ammunition from them.
While the police further urged members of the community to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses, it said Investigation is ongoing and the outcome would be made public.
According to Butswat, “Contrary to the misleading information being circulated on social media platforms, that armed thugs dressed in Police Uniforms invaded Nembe Bassambiri community, on 12 August 2023.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to state categorically that a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja carried out a sting operation in Nembe Bassambiri on 12 August 2023, Some Arms and ammunition were recovered and suspects were arrested.
“The sting operation was conducted professionally, based on the standard operating procedure of the Nigeria Police Force. No life was lost.
“Members of the community are urged to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses as the Police would not harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen.
“Investigation is ongoing and the outcome would be made Public.”
