Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has condemned the killing of Mr. Collins Kuromie-ayebaye, an indigene of Egweama community in Brass Local Government Area, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He made this known during an emergency meeting with stakeholders from Egweama and Beletiama communities, security agencies, and senior government officials at Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, noting that the victim, popularly known as Laku, was gruesomely murdered at Beletiama community on Sunday.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo disclosed that the suspect, Mr. Kina John, has already been arrested and is in the custody of the Nigerian Navy. He assured that government had swung into action to ensure justice, while urging Egweama residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
The Deputy Governor tasked the police and other security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident, linking it to the recent killing of another Egweama woman, Madam Amazige Ayebaesin, which, according to him, showed signs of ritual activity. He further directed that security personnel remain on ground in the affected communities to prevent escalation of violence and restore peace.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also announced the setting up of a government delegation to visit Beletiama, Egweama, and Okpoma communities within the week to condole with the bereaved families. The team, chaired by Dr. Charles Daniel, Member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, comprises top government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders.
Meanwhile, speakers at the meeting, including community chiefs and representatives from both Egweama and Beletiama, commended the swift intervention of the state government and called for justice to be served.
