From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The family of Matthew Jacob Oponomok, an All Progressive Congress (APC) faithful, who was killed when suspected militants attacked the party secretariat has called on the leadership of the party to ensure justice for the deceased.
Recall that on August 18, during the inauguration of the acting Chairman of the party, Joseph Fafi, some suspected militants had stormed the secretariat and opened fire where Oponomok had been shot.
Oponomok from Egweama community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and father of three was one of those killed during the attack.
The family also called on the leadership of the party to demonstrate responsibility by catering for the family the deceased left behind.
The Bayelsa State Government and the leadership of the APC had, in separate statements, after the incident, called on the security agents to identify and arrest the suspected militants behind the shooting in which two people died and several people were injured.
However, Police sources said no arrest has been made several days after the incident fuelling the frustration of the family.
Oponomok’s family, in a press briefing, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, in Yenagoa, regretted that weeks after the incident security agents have not arrested any suspect.
It also alleged that the APC leadership has abandoned the family after the incident leaving the family to suffer.
The press briefing addressed by the wife, Mrs. Esther Matthew, younger brother to the deceased, Festus Youkwo, and the father-in-law, Pastor Michael Ozeigbe, said the APCrise to the occasion and find justice for the deceased.
“After the incident, we went to the Police and then we went to see the body at the mortuary. We had a meeting with the APC leadership and they promised to get back to us but we have not heard from them till now. We are really suffering. He left three children behind. The party he died for must show support for his people” they said.
The member representing Brass constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, Hon. Israel Sunny- Goli, in an interview, said the party has been in touch with the family and has held discussions with the senior brother of the deceased.