Police shoot 23-yr-old in Bayelsa

Posted by admin Bayelsa, State News Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Despite the success that characterised the nation 51st independence anniversary, residents of Yenagoa, the capital city of the Bayelsa State trembled in fear, as a police patrol team attacked some youths on Imgbi Street, off popular Punch Road around 8.00 p.m, on Saturday, firing shots at close range at youths who were celebrating.

A source told the Nigerian Tribune, that as the youth, scampered for safety, one of them, who was with his twin brother, was allegedly shot by the trigger happy security operatives.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune, however, revealed that the resurgence of police brutality, might not be unconnected to the discreet moves by one prominent politician, (names withheld), who was not favourably disposed to the recent proscription of the Bayelsa State, Special Security Force, codenamed “Operation Famou Tangbei”.

It was learnt that since the disbandment of the special security outfit by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Hafiz Ringim, some individuals were said to be displeased by the decision, despite established cases of extra-judicial killings, torture and illegal harassment of people, particularly in Yenagoa.

Eyewitness account said the security operatives, deliberately opened fire into the crowd and in the process, a 23 year-old boy, simply identified as Peremuwei Sakori, was shot in the stomach and part of his intestine, was ripped out by the bullets.

When Nigerian Tribune visited the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was rushed to by his wailing aged mother and sister, he was sighted battling to survive, as medical experts hurriedly administer drugs on him at the emergency unit.

When contacted for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Eguaveon Emopkae, could not pick his calls, but later contended that the incident, which occurred at A Division of the state Police command, whose jurisdiction covers Amarata, had not been reported to his office.

-Tribunewp_posts