A policeman, identified as an inspector, was killed in the early hours of Thursday when gunmen suspected to be militants attacked the Toru Orua country home of the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Seriake Dickson.
It is gathered that the gunmen gained access the Dickson’s village residence from a nearby river at midnight and began engaging the security personnel on a shoot out, before they were overpowered by the security men on guard. According to the governor’s media aide, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, The former governor and his family were not in the building as at the time of the attack. He said in short statement:
“Men of the Nigerian Police repelled a midnight attack and prevented gunmen at the Toru Orua country home of the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson on Wednesday night.“A gallant police team successfully prevented the gunmen who attempted to invade the compound through the Forcados River from gaining access.
“Unfortunately, a Police officer who led the operation was killed and died in the attack.“Chief Dickson and his family were not in the compound during the attack having been away in Abuja and Yenagoa for about three weeks.
“The former Governor condoled with the immediate family of the late police officer, the Inspector General of Police, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of police and the entire police team on the death of the gallant policeman.
“He said thhis period was indeed a trying one to the country, the police and the security agencies called on the society to give them the requisite support to effectively carry out the sensitive duty of securing the society.
“The former Governor said that the Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies have commenced immediate investigation to unravel those who perpetrated the heinous acts.“He assured that no stone would be left unturned in the bid to fish out those behind the cruel act.
He called on his supporters across the Ijaw nation to give relevant information to the police to aid their investigation into the crime.
The Bayelsa state police command confirmed the attack and the killing of an inspector of Police who died from injuries sustained during the attack.
A statement by the Police spokesman SP Asinim Butswat, said that, “On 19 November 2020, at about 0200 hours, unknown gunmen in three speedboats who came through the Forcados River attempted to invade the residence of Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson at the riverine community of Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area, but were repelled by policemen on duty. “
An Inspector of Police who sustained gunshots injuries resulting from the fierce encounter with the gunmen, later died and his corpse has been deposited at the mortuary.
“The Command condoles with the family and relatives of the Inspector of Police who fought gallantly with his team to prevent the gunmen from invading the residence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Mike Okoli, has visited the scene and appealed to members of the community to remain calm as the command is working assiduously to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“He also extended his condolences to the Inspector General of Police and the police authorities over the loss, prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the unfortunate departure of such a gallant office.
