Southern Ijaw—Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Hon. Lucky Okodeh, has accused the Bayelsa State operation of Tantita Security Service of a security breach, including the destruction of lives and property in the area.
He made the revelation on Monday while addressing newsmen at Yenagoa, calling on relevant security agencies in Bayelsa to call the private security firm to order in its operations which he claims is posing a threat to peace and order in the LGA.
According to the caretaker chairman, “The call is emerging from disturbing reports making rounds that the Tantita Security Services is patrolling with gunboats in the rivers in the LGA thereby exposing the residents to constant threat and danger, leaving many homeless already in a plight to escape any form of violence on them.”
Okodeh alluded that a similar incident occurred on the 14th of September, 2023 where staff of the Tantita Security company invaded Okpotuwari, a community in the area, where it allegedly caused mayhem, fear, and destruction of lives and property.
According to Okodeh, it took him and his team to restore peace and tranquillity in the community.
He, therefore, requested a thorough investigation to address the alleged security breach said to be perpetuated by the company operatives and bring any such perpetrators to book.
“Elections have come and gone, and I have a mandate to protect lives and properties in Southern Ijaw LGA, and as such politicians plotting political vendetta should be reminded that nobody no matter how highly placed will be allowed to toy with the peace existing in the LGA.
“We call once again for the security agencies to act swiftly and diligently to protect the lives and properties in Southern Ijaw,” he said.
Neither the police nor Tantita are yet to react to the allegations while filing this report.
