Suspected members of a notorious cult group, identified as Icelanders, Thursday night shot dead a soldier attached to the headquarters of the security outfit, Operation Delta Safe along the Igbogene axis of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital over alleged undisclosed deal that went sour.
It was learnt that the deceased soldier, who is a corporal by rank, was a personnel of the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army detailed to the special security outfit, shot dead at about 2am a few metres away from the headquarters of the Operation Delta Safe.
While some security sources told journalists that the deceased soldier was shot close to the Igbogene junction and could not explain where the deceased was going at that odd hours, other community sources claimed to have heard the gunmen making a call to the deceased to come out from the OPDS headquarters like a familiar person to them.
He said: “They called him on phone and when he got close to them, they opened fire on him. And they zoomed off. The way it happened it seems they knew one another. But we cannot explain what happened.”
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa state government has condemned the kidnap of Madam Betinah Benson, mother of the secretary to the state government, Rt. Hon Friday Konbowei Benson on Tuesday 20th July, 2021 by yet to be identified gunmen.
According to the Bayelsa state government, in a statement signed by the state commissioner for information, strategy and orientation, Hon Ayibaina Duba, “Regardless of this regrettable security breach, government hereby re-assures the general public that the state’s security architecture, which earned it a top place as the most peaceful state in the federation, is intact”.
“Therefore, citizens are enjoined to remain calm and go about their normal businesses without any fear of intimidation. They are also urged to be more security conscious, and readily provide information to the police and other security agencies to prevent a reccurrence of this evil act”.
“Government will also like to assure the public that it is working with the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and safe release of the octogenarian.
“We are also committed to pursuing and apprehending the criminals involved in this condemnable kidnap, no matter how fast they run or how deep their hiding hole is, and return mama home to her loved ones”.
“Our resolve on this incident is that the long arm of the law will ultimately catch-up with the criminals.It is only wise therefore that they as a matter of urgency, immediately release the innocent old woman unconditionally, without hurt or injury.”
