ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a Bayelsa youth, Goodluck Oviekeme.
He also ordered that an autopsy be conducted on Monday with representatives of the late youth’s family, the police, and the state government present.
The late Ovieteme was reportedly arrested by the police special squad, ‘Operation Puff Adder’ last Wednesday over an alleged robbery incident in his Biogbolo community.
Angered by his reported death in police custody, the community went on the rampage on Saturday.
The protest grounded vehicular movements for hours in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Diri spoke on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence and the 25th anniversary of Bayelsa State’s creation at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the Bayelsa State Special Committee on Security, SWAT, and Human Rights constituted during the #EndSARS saga commences immediate sitting to investigate and unravel the circumstances of the youth’s death.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, quoted the governor as assuring the people that anyone found culpable would be punished according to law.
He called on the youths in the state to maintain the prevailing peace, adding that his administration was aware of pockets of infractions and that those responsible would be brought to book.
While calling on the youths to desist from criminal acts, Diri advised security agents to be professional in the conduct of their duties and avoid extra-judicial killing of citizens they are supposed to protect.
The committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, would commence sitting on Tuesday.
It has also called for memoranda between Tuesday and Friday this week from members of the public on any issue bordering on police brutality in the state.
Other members of the committee are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, the state Commissioner of Police, Echeng E. Echeng, State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Special Adviser 1 to the Governor on Security, Mr. Agberebi Akpoebi.
Others are Alaowei Opokuma (Ministry of Justice), Mr. Eugene Badon (National Human Rights Commission), and Mr. Atie Charming.