Bayelsa Governor Vows Justice for Slain Graduate Daniel Ayama

YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE – Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has assured the family of Daniel Ayama, a 26-year-old fresh graduate of the Federal University, Otuoke, that the state government is committed to ensuring justice following his tragic death on May 16.

Governor Diri conveyed this assurance on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the Ayama family at their residence in Kpansia, Yenagoa. Daniel Ayama was fatally shot at the INEC Junction in Yenagoa, sparking conflicting accounts from the family and the police. While the family alleges police involvement in his death, police authorities attribute it to cult group rivalry.

In a bid to unravel the true circumstances surrounding Ayama’s demise, Governor Diri announced that the state’s Special Committee on Security and Human Rights Violations has commenced a thorough investigation. He further directed the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) to participate in the probe, emphasizing the government’s impartiality.
“For now, there are two sides to the report of Daniel Ayama’s murder, and government will not take sides,” Governor Diri stated. “Government is not interested in whether the police was allegedly responsible or it was a case of cult-related shooting.”

The Governor acknowledged the professionalism of the current Commissioner of Police in the state but stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to maintain strict professionalism in such sensitive cases. “Once you have this kind of report, the police need to step aside,” he asserted. “It is sad to hear this type of allegation against a professional body that is expected to ensure peace and security of lives.”

Reports indicate that the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights Violations has been given three weeks to submit its report on the incident. The committee comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, Special Advisers on Security to the Governor, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, among others. The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who chairs the committee, has recused himself from this specific investigation due to the deceased being from his area, to ensure an unbiased probe.

Beyond the ongoing investigation, Governor Diri also confirmed that the state government has taken over the medical treatment of three other victims who sustained gunshot injuries during the May 16 incident. He offered prayers for the Ayama family to find strength in bearing the profound loss of their son.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Smart Ayama expressed appreciation for the Governor’s visit and the government’s intervention. He noted that while protests had erupted after the incident, the family chose to forego further demonstrations, recognizing that it would not bring back their son. However, he reiterated the family’s fervent plea for justice to be served.

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Governor Diri’s entourage included key government officials such as the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha; Commissioner for Special Duties (Bayelsa West), Michael Magbisa; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule; and the Technical Adviser on Treasury, Revenue and Accounts, Timipre Seipulou.

The state government’s decisive action underscores its commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability, particularly in incidents involving allegations against security forces. The public now awaits the findings of the Special Committee, hoping for a swift and impartial resolution to the tragic death of Daniel Ayama.