Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the killing and beheading of 49 years old man, Alexander Diri, by suspected herdsmen at Yambiri village in Zarama community in Yenagoa local government area of the state.
The killing of the deceased, who is a father of four and indigene of Zarama, however sparked a protest by indigenes of the community which led to the blockage of vehicular movement along the East-West Road.
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The state police command in a statement yesterday through the police public relations officer, DSP Asinim Buswat, stated that investigation is ongoing on the incident, adding that police detectives have visited the scene and the corpse had been evacuated to the hospital for autopsy.
He said, “On 13th March, 2023 one Alexander Diri ‘m’ 49 was murdered by suspected herders at Yambiri Community, Zarama, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Police detectives have visited the scene and the corpse was evacuated to the hospital for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”
Also, the commissioner for education in the state, Hon Gentle Emelah who hails from the community, had called on the people to remain calm, adding that the governor, Senator Douye Diri is aware of the unfortunate incident.
He said the security agencies are on top of the situation, assuring that they would fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
The national spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe expressed concern over the continued silence of the security agencies, the federal and state governments over the incident, adding that this not the first time and that this is one too many where the herdsmen will enter into a community and kill their host.
He said, “You cannot come to our land and kill our people and you expect us to keep quiet. While we are calling on our people to remain calm and peaceful, we will engage stakeholders on the appropriate action to take. We will remain vigilant and not allow a repeat. It is sad and unfortunate.”