ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Government has warned those engaged in gun-running and stockpiling of arms to desist from the unwholesome practices or face the full wrath of the law.
The warning was issued by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during a meeting with chiefs and people of Peretoru community at a resumed meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement on Sunday by his media aide, Doubara Atasi, quoted Ewhrudjakpo as explaining that the meeting which held last Thursday and Saturday was primarily geared towards resolving the leadership tussle between two factions over the chairmanship of Peretoru Development Committee.
He said the warning became imperative in view of speculations about stockpiling of arms in some communities including Peretoru community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
He advised parties in dispute or individuals whose rights might have been violated in any form not to resort to self-help by taking the laws into their hands but rather approach the law courts for justice.
Ewhrudjakpo assured the people that the Governor Douye Diri-led administration would leave no stone unturned in its determination to maintain and improve on the prevailing security in the state.
The Deputy Governor, therefore, warned gun-runners and their sponsors who are hell-bent on causing chaos and instability in communities to turn a new leaf, stressing that the government would not hesitate to wield the big stick against such criminal elements.
He said: “I want to tell everybody from Peretoru community that the capacity of government should not be tested by any individual or group. I’m saying this because of the reports at our disposal.
“This government will not allow anybody to pile up arms in our communities for the purposes of destroying our communities. If anybody thinks he has some support from anywhere, we will move against that person and his sponsor.
“This government has that capacity. So, take this warning seriously. If you know, you have one godfather or ‘juju-father’ anywhere that is encouraging you to stockpile firearms, we must come for you.
“The idea of people taking to arms at the slightest provocation has to stop in this state. You must know that we are a government. If your rights are breached, you go to court.”
Earlier in their submissions, the Amananaowei of Peretorugbene Federated Community, Chief Timi Odikeme, the President of its Welfare Association, Mr Famous Daunemughan, narrated the remote and immediate causes of the crisis rocking the community.
Speaker after speaker including the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, who is the immediate past President of the Peretorugbene Welfare Association, Dr Peter Singabelle, appreciated the government for its intervention and called for the deployment of security operatives in the community.
The meeting which had representatives from the state Command of Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and Joint Task Force (JTF) was adjourned to Thursday this week for the government to deliver its position on the conflict.