Bayelsa Killings: Police Intensify Patrol of Corpers' Lodges

 

The Police in Bayelsa State will henceforth engage in intensive patrol of areas occupied by National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members in the state, Commissioner of Police, Sholla David, said on Wednesday.

David, who spoke when Director-General of the NYSC, Maj-Gen Suleiman Kazaure,  visited him in his office, noted that the police were doing everything to apprehend the hoodlums who shot three corps members few days ago.

The police commissioner assured the NYSC DG of police commitment to improving the safety of corps members, noting that he had already moved to get a list of the corps members’ lodges, so that they can provide patrol team and ensure their safety.

"I assure you that cultists attacking corps members will come to an end. In this state, cultism and drug-related crimes are a problem, but we will get to the end of them," he stated.

In his comments, Kazaure said the essence of the visit was to solicit more cooperation from critical stakeholders in the state in order to ensure adequate safety of corps members, who are on national assignment.

A gang of hoodlums had on March 20 invaded a corps members’ residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, shooting three members of the NYSC and leaving several injured.

Of the three corps members, who were shot, two have been confirmed dead, while one, who was critically injured, is still in the hospital in Yenagoa.

The DG called on the military, police and other critical stakeholders for more support for safety of the corps members in the state.

"We want your cooperation to ensure the safety of these corps members and their  lodges. Why I am saying this is because you are critical stakeholders when it comes to security.

"Please look after our children, they are our national assets, and we have discovered that Bayelsa State is volatile when it comes to security," the DG said.

Also, during his visit to the 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yenagoa, Kazaure noted that it was the duty of the security agencies to protect the young people who have come to serve in the state.

Maj-Gen Obinna Onubogu, the new Commander of the 16 Brigade, represented by Lt.- Col. Suleiman Abdullahi, Commander of the Brigade Garrison, described NYSC as critical to national development.

He commended the NYSC DG on his tour, and pledged more support to improve the safety of corps members in the state.