Group Accuses Security Outfit Of Masterminding Killings Of People In Bayelsa

A non-governmental organisation, Kimisese Mass Movement for Good Governance, has raised the alarm that a surveillance security contractors, Darlong Security Services, has allegedly been masterminding the killing of some persons in some creeks in Bayelsa State.

The Chairman, KMMGG, Mr. Charles Kuroteizi, made the allegation at a press conference on Thursday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The security outfit has been at loggerheads with members of the state House of Assembly since it (Assembly) in a motion sponsored by a member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Lt.-Col. Benard Kenebai (retd.), accused it of engaging in criminal activities in the creeks under the guise of securing oil pipelines.

The plight of Darlong worsened on Wednesday when a member of the House of Representatives unanimously sponsored a motion at the House seeking the suspension of all surveillance contracts in Bayelsa.
Addressing the news conference, Kuroteizi said from the petitions the organisation had received, many indigenes had been killed in various communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

He said, “We engage you (press) today due to some critical security issues bedevelling the peace in SILGA and if not urgently handled could metamorphose into serious crisis.

“As a responsible organisation, we cannot sit down in our comfort zone and watch insecurity deteriorate to the level where youths are allegedly murdered in cold blood on a daily basis by Dalong Security Service under the guise of protecting oil facilities in the communities.

“From petitions at our disposal, one Erelayefa Ayawei, a native of Korokorosei was allegedly killed while Delight Olando and Justina Samuel sustained gunshot injuries.

“In Ikeinghbiri community, Mr. Kosene Komoh0Nimitei was allegedly shot dead. At Ondewari community, four persons including Deintei Rufus, Kombowei Godknows, Showboy Imienye and Ebimobowei Alasuo were killed by the same security company while Akpokere Christopher lost his leg to amputation owing to bullet wounds.”

He said that still in Korokorosei community, 12 houses were allegedly burnt down, stressing that due to the activities of Darlong, 25 persons were currently in exile in neighbouring communities for fear of being attacked.

Kuroteizi, therefore, called on Governor Seriake Dickson as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to immediately set up a panel of inquiry and investigate the alleged killings and bring the perpetrators to book within three weeks.

“But if nothing is done at the expiration of three weeks ultimatum, we will commence a legal action against the Governor. Afterall, one of the responsibilities of government is to protect lives and property,” he stated.

In its reaction, the management of Darlong described the allegation as lies, unthinkable and unfortunate, saying that the allegations existed only in the imagination of the accusers.

Its Public Relations Manager and Security Coordinator, Mr. Preye Oseke, dismissed the allegations that the company was involved in criminal and illegal acts in its operations.
He described the allegations from the group as “ill-conceived, malicious, unfounded and politically motivated.”

He said that Darlong as a responsible and law-abiding firm, operates within the limits of the law, stressing that its operations had created jobs for more than 4,000 youths hitherto engaged in oil theft and sundry crimes  in the creeks of Bayelsa.