Bayelsa Govt Imposes Dusk-To- Dawn Curfew On Nembe-Bassambiri, Calls IGP To Withdraw SWAT Team 

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday, imposed a dusk- to -dawn curfew from 7pm to 6am  on Nembe-Bassambiri, saying that  the directive is to be enforced by all the security agencies in the state.

Diri  who gave the directive during  an expanded emergency state security council meeting held in Government House, Yenagoa had in attendance, all service commanders in the state, leadership of the Ijaw National Congress, the Bayelsa Elders council, the Nembe-Se congress and Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, CP Akpoebi Agberebi (Rtd) said, the following resolutions were reached : that all youth and chieftaincy activities in Nembe-Bassambiri have been suspended until further notice.

The Special Adviser noted that It was also resolved that an interim body will be set up by government to manage the affairs until further notice, adding that the youth president under the custody of the Department of State Services(DSS) should be further investigated and prosecuted if found wanting.

He pointed out that all the youths arrested and handed over to the police should be investigated and prosecuted if found wanting.

He mentioned that a certain Mr. Kojo Sam and all those mentioned in the petition by Bassambiri community for their involvement in the February 15 killing should be arrested, investigated and prosecuted if found wanting.

According to him, the council also call on the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw his SWAT team and allow the existing joint security task force in Nembe to take charge of the security situation there until further notice.

“I want to assure you that all the security agencies and members of the state security council will implement them to the latter to ensure that peace returns to Nembe-Bassambiri.”

Meanwhile, commercial tricycle operators in Bayelsa State and other groups mobilized support towards the re-election of Governor Douye Diri in November this year.

From his arrival at the Bayelsa International Airport, Yenagoa to the Etegwe/Edepie roundabout and then the Government House gate, the different groups were singing and dancing in appreciation of the efforts of the present government  to restore peace and build a number of projects across the State.

Addressing the people, Governor Diri who was joined at the Government House gate by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, assured that his administration will continue to keep the peace, and charged the opposition party to stop their plot to sponsor violence in the state.

“The things they could not do in 5 years, we are doing them. We are opening up Bayelsa for people to come in but some persons are planning violence.

“They should come and campaign to people. If you are popular, the people will vote for you. This is the government that means well for you. But note that we will not allow them to draw us into violence. If they bring violence, you give them peace.

“Light and darkness cannot meet. Don’t be deceived, we have our plans for Keke drivers despite the evening restriction. Once we fully restore peace, you will see what we have for you. Thank you all for the support”, Gov. Diri stated.