Bayelsa To Probe Opu-Nembe Killings, Sets Up Investigative Panel

Governor Duoye Diri has constituted a six-member Judicial Panel of Enquiry to look into the February 15 violence in the Nembe-Bassambiri community that resulted in the deaths of three persons from the area.

Naija News gathered that the incident occurred about six months ago.

Inaugurating the judicial panel on Tuesday at the Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri said their brief was to carefully look into the remote and immediate causes of the disturbances in Nembe-Basambiri that led to the February 15 killings.

Diri, who was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the panel three weeks to complete its work, including submitting the report of its findings to the government for appropriate action.

He disclosed that the panel would be chaired by a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Margaret Akpomiemie (retd.), while a representative of the state Ministry of Justice, Mr Diepreye Omubo, will serve as secretary.

Other members are Fedude Zimughan, Mrs. Josephine Igodo, Love Amaseimogha, and a representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Bayelsa office, Vining Goselle.

According to Ewhrudjakpo, the chairman and members of the panel were carefully chosen based on their pedigree and wealth of experience to deliver on the critical assignment.

A statement by the deputy governor’s media aide, Mr. Doubara Atasi, said, “We are going to unearth the cause of the death and those responsible for the killings. This is necessary because every life is important.”