From Femi Folaranmi, Yenegoa
BAYELSA Governor, Seriake Dickson, has vowed that nobody will be allowed to get away with violence and bloodshed in the state.
Dickson gave the warning during his series of meetings with heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups over the spate of killing of security operatives in the state.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson said Dickson, during the meeting, expressed government’s determination to stem the tide of violence, criminality and brigandage in and outside the state.
Dickson, who stressed the need to curb the spate of criminal activities such as kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and the attack on law enforcement agents in the state, urged the people to work closely with security agencies towards apprehending the perpetrators.
Speaking on the recent killing of three security operatives, Dickson recalled the military’s invasion of Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma and Odioma in Brass Local Government Areas, adding that the incidents should serve as a lesson to other communities.
He, therefore, called on community leaders to collaborate with security agencies to maintain law and order in their domains to avert a recurrence, saying security was a collective responsibility for all.
His words: “Nobody within and outside the state would be allowed to create havoc and make Bayelsa to be a place for violence and bloodshed.”
Condemning the rate of kidnapping in recent times, he restated the government’s position on the payment of ransom, as negotiating with kidnappers would also be a crime in the state.
Dickson decried the activities of oil pipeline vandals, which he noted, was adversely affecting the revenue of the state, coupled with the degradation of the environment and called on those engaged in the act to desist.
In an interview withnewsmen shortly after the meeting, King Okpoitari Diongoli, Ebedaowei of Opokuma kingdom, King Mozi Agara, Ebedaowei of Kolokuma clan and King Funpere Akah, Ebenanaowei of Gbarain clan, urged the government to strengthen the traditional institution to partner security agencies to foster peace and stability in their areas.
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Agbobiri-Okordia clan, Mr. New-World Elekele said community leaders should be empowered to complement efforts of security agents.