… Urges Opolo, Okutukutu Communities to Sheath Swords
By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government says its attention has been drawn to a recent attack on Opolo community, allegedly carried out by some individuals from neighbouring Okutukutu community, which had resulted in some casualties.
The state’s deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, on Monday, condemned the attack and directed relevant security agencies to fish out the perpetrators for prosecution.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo warned that the Douye Diri administration would not condone a situation where individuals or communities resort to violence and physical attacks over territorial or land boundary disputes, more so when such matters are pending in the law court of competent jurisdiction.
He therefore called on Opolo, and its neighbouring communities, particularly Okutukutu, to refrain from taking any further action liable to bring about breakdown of law and order in the area.
The deputy governor urged the feuding communities to shield their swords as the state government is taking every necessary step to resolve the issue, including an emergency meeting with leadership of the affected communities in his office.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed deep regrets over the loss of lives and property from the incident, and assured the bereaved families that government would do everything within its powers to ensure that justice was served.