Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Contrary to earlier reports that a Bayelsa State Government House photographer, Reginald Dei, was killed by gunmen dressed in military uniform, it has been confirmed that he is actually alive but in critical condition.
Dei and Mr Seidougha Taribi were shot at Oweikorogha community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state during the presidential and National Assembly election on Saturday.
While both were initially declared dead by eye-witness sources, Dei was said to have regain consciousness at the hospital in Yenagoa before relapsing into coma.
According to investigations Dei was shot at the back and the bullet pierce the body damaging some vital organs. He has since been placed on life support while doctors are battling to stabilise him as arrangements are being made to fly him out of the state for proper medical treatment.
“He needs to be flown abroad and it must be done urgently. We sympathise with the family of Dei and we will do everything possible to save his life” said a member of the government medical
The Commissioner of Information, Mr Daniel Iworiso- Markson, and members of the government media team were said to have visited him in the hospital.
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson during a media briefing in Yenagoa on Sunday sympathised with the family of the deceased and that of Dei promising that those who shot them would not go scot-free