Gov Diri Tasks Police As Gunmen Kill APC Stalwart In Bayelsa

• Demands security agencies unmask killers

BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Another incident of unknown gunmen has left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State in mourning with one of its chieftains, Mr Sunday Frank-Oputu, reportedly shot dead at his Baybridge residence in the Yenizue-Gene suburb of Yenagoa, the state capital.

This is as the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri condemned the killing with directives to the police and other sister security agencies in the state to immediately fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

Reports on the unfortunate incident that took place yesterday, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, indicated that the APC top shot’s wife and children were away for a church vigil when the gunmen stormed their home and shot him through his window while asleep.

An indigene of Igbomotoru in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Frank-Oputu was in his early fifties and family sources hinted that the killing may not be unconnected with his being a strong voice and campaigner against injustice within the opposition party and community.

The sources, which admitted his death is a huge loss to the people, also said he was active in the struggle to liberate the community from the stranglehold of some individuals and groups allegedly promoting illegal oil bunkering activities in the Igbomotoru suburb.

Confirming the sad incident, the spokesperson of Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr Asinim Butswat, said the Police have already launched a manhunt for the alleged gunmen and would stop at nothing in ensuring they are brought to justice.

In his reaction, Governor Douye Diri, who condemned the killing during the 73rd state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, described the incident as most unfortunate and unacceptable.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor was quoted as urging politicians in the State to play politics without violence and hatred, assuring that those behind the dastardly act will be unmasked and brought to book.

On behalf of the government and the people of Bayelsa State, Governor Diri also expressed condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and prayed that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.