Bayelsa Govt laments killing of 5 JTF operatives, commiserates with Army, victims’ families

JTF operatives in action

The Bayelsa government on Sunday condoled with the Chief of Army Staff. Maj.- Gen. Tukur Buratai and the families of the five slain security officers by unknown gunmen over the weekend in the State.

It will be recalled that Bayelsa Police Command on Saturday confirmed that an attack on Nember Jetty by armed gunmen suspected to be pirates left four soldiers and Policemen dead.

Joint Task Force (JTF) base at Nembe, Bayelsa came under attack on Friday night, a few hours after Governor Dickson read riot act warning criminals to flee the state or face unpleasant consequences.

The slain operatives were until their death attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo shield.

A statement issued by Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa governor expressed regret over the incident.

It assured that, the Dickson led administration will partner with the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act, stressing that, no stone will be left unturned to bring the killers to justice.

The statement condemned the attack on the Nation’s security agencies, describing the act as mindless and most barbaric.

It said that a letter personally signed by Governor Dickson has already been dispatched to the Chief of Army Staff to express the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of the state.

The Governor also assured the families of the slain officers that, their loved ones and benefactors did not die in vain, noting that, they died as gallant officers, while in active service to their fatherland and prayed for the repose of their souls.

The State Government, however, urged the people not despair, as it will continue to do everything within its powers to stem the new wave of insecurity being orchestrated by a clique of mindless and disgruntled politicians.

“All these acts of insecurity and brigandage are intended to put fear in the minds of the people, ahead of the December 2015 governorship election and we call on Bayelsans to remain steadfast and be law abiding as well as go about their businesses.

“As a government, we worked so hard and committed a lot of our state’s resources to achieve the peace, we have been enjoying and it is sad to observe that, because of their political ambitions, some persons want to perpetuate violence, brigandage and insecurity across the state” Dickson stated

It called on Bayelsa people to collectively condemn and reject the emerging trend of violence and insecurity in parts of the state, stressing that, if not checked, the people would be made to pay dearly for it.