GUARDIAN

• Gunmen kill two corps members, injure another
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has accused international oil companies (IOCs) of fanning the embers of insecurity in the Niger Delta.

The indictment is a fall-out of the state’s campaign to draw global attention to the ravaging effect of oil spills, pollution and environmental degradation in the state.

Dickson’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as accusing the oil multinationals of funding terrorism, criminality and breakdown of law and order in the state.

His words: “They are not only polluting our land, creeks, waterways and communities; they are also taking their terrorist and criminal activities to yet another frightening level.

“All these cases of killing during elections, people terrorising Southern Ijaw, killing people and even affecting our democratic practices funded by Agip in the likeness of crude oil pipeline surveillance contractors and forming a parallel government in this state compromise all the layers of security in our country.”

Rise For Bayelsa Campaign was launched on Wednesday night at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa.

The governor added: “They have been killing, maiming and terrorising people in Nembe Bassambiri. A certain Kodjo is working as an Agip contractor funded by the company. In Southern Ijaw, there is a certain David Lyon and his people whose activities are being funded by Agip.

“Agip is not interested in the stability and safety of our communities. This is how far they have escalated their terrorist activities. So, when we talk of environmental terrorism perpetrated, funded and encouraged by IOCs, you come to Bayelsa and you see a classic case.”

While the launch was going on, gunmen stormed the residence of a private school proprietor in Swali, a suburb of Yenagoa, killing two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The duo died instantly, while Anthony Dada, who was critically injured, is reportedly recuperating at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

The deceased have been identified as Olamide Popoola, an indigene of Oyo State from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and George Onokpoma.

Neighbors told The Guardian that seven assailants, suspected to be cultists, arrived the residence about 10.30pm.

“We heard gunshot from the direction of the corps members’ room. One of the corps members was heard shouting ‘Jesus’ repeatedly and asking what their crime was. Another shot and there was silence.”

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asimim Butswats, said the command had launched a manhunt for the gunmen, as investigation is ongoing.