Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has assured the family of 26-year-old Daniel Ayama, a graduate of the Federal University, Otuoke, that the state government will ensure justice is served over his tragic death.
Ayama was shot dead on May 16 at the INEC Junction in Yenagoa. While the family insists he was killed by policemen, the Bayelsa State Police Command claims the incident was cult-related.
Governor Diri visited the bereaved family at their residence in Kpansia, Yenagoa on Wednesday, where he expressed condolences and pledged an unbiased investigation. He disclosed that the state’s Special Committee on Security and Human Rights Violations had begun a probe into the killing and directed the director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state to join the investigation.
“For now, there are two conflicting reports about the murder of Daniel Ayama. The government will not take sides. What we want is the truth,” the governor said in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah.
“Whether the police were involved or it was a cult-related shooting, a thorough, impartial investigation must take place. The police, being a professional body responsible for public safety, must allow room for transparency in this case,” he added.
The governor also revealed that the state had taken responsibility for the medical treatment of three others who sustained gunshot wounds during the same incident. He prayed for strength for the Ayama family to bear the loss.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Smart Ayama thanked the governor for the condolence visit and support. He said although there were protests after the killing, the family decided to suspend further demonstrations, acknowledging that doing so would not bring back their son. He, however, stressed the need for justice.
Governor Diri was accompanied by top government officials including chief of staff Peter Akpe; commissioner for information, strategy and orientation Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; commissioner for youth development Alfred Nimizigha; commissioner for special duties (Bayelsa West) Michael Magbisa; commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs Thompson Amule; and technical adviser on treasury, revenue and accounts Timipre Seipulou.
