The Bayelsa State Government has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the shooting that occurred during a rally organised by the NEW Associates at the Church of God Mission Camp Ground, Igbogene, Yenagoa, on Saturday.
In a statement issued late Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government condemned the incident and urged the police to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The statement urged the police to immediately commence an investigation to bring to book anyone found culpable.
The statement partly read, “The government highlighted the troubling nature of the incident, noting that it was not an isolated occurrence, as the rally’s organisers had previously issued a warning that “the good, the bad, and the ugly” would be present at the event.
“Concerned about the shift from what was expected to be a peaceful gathering to a violent confrontation—resulting in several reported injuries—the government emphasised the need for swift action from law enforcement. They called for an immediate investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the violence.”
While noting that the event negated guidelines for political activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act and by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the government observed that it was held on the campsite of a religious organisation.
It warned political groups in the state not to drag religious organisations into their partisan activities that desecrate sacred places of worship.
It further stated that it would not hesitate to sanction any religious organisation that breached the law.
The government restated its commitment to sustaining the peace in the state as well as ensuring the security of lives and property of all residents.
The PUNCH
