Bayelsa State Reps Caucus Calls for Investigation into Community Invasion

The Bayelsa State Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian government to investigate the invasion of Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In a statement read by Hon. Marie Ebikake, she said that the 12th of August 2023 invasion was politically motivated and targeted at destroying the peace and Prosperity of the state.

The Caucus also called on President Bola Tinubu to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter.

“We want to use this opportunity to call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency empanel a high powered commission of inquiry on the immediate and remote causes including the role of the Nigeria Police particularly the SWAT department, their source of funding and other individuals who played roles in the armed invasion to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the wrath of the law. This will not only act as deterrent but also send a message to individuals with selfish agenda not to tarnish the image of your government and the democratic reputation you have brought into governance,” Hon Ebikake said.

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She noted that the caucus condemns the killings and maiming of innocent citizens of the citizen of Nembe.

“We wish to commend the immediate response of the Bayelsa State government led by His Excellency Senator Douye Diri to the crisis and the effort to dilute the tension in the affected community. The raid caused death of innocent citizens and indiscriminate arrest and detention of scores of Opu Nembe (Bassambiri) youths, who are presently in the custody of the Nigeria Police at Abuja,” she said.

She also, reminded the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun,  that “a ‘sting’ operation of such nature carried out in total disregard of existing protocols, with regards to the role of the Executive Governor as the chief security officer of the state, within his domain, in the clear absence of imminent threat to national security is not only a threat to our democracy but raises questions of the presence of the Joint Security Task Force stationed in the community over the years.” 

“We implore the commission of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the incident to determine the root cause of the crisis and proffer a permanent solution to these unfortunate incidents in Opu Nembe (Bassambiri),” she said.

The caucus also offered its heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and called on all sons and daughters of Nembe to remain calm and allow peace reign in the kingdom.

Also speaking on the issue, the Chairman of the caucus Hon. Agbedi Frederick, said that the caucus suspects that the crisis was a build up the forthcoming election in the state.

He called for an investigation to fish out the perpetrators of the act.