Bayelsa Election:Panic Sets In As JTF Recovers Explosives,Ammunition

Few hours to the commencement of Bayelsa's governorship election, the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta has seized hand grenades, AK 47 rifle magazines, among other items believed to be meant for disrupting the election.

The Task Force Commander, Major General Alani Okunlola, revealed that the force had seized 36 hand grenades, two AK 47 rifle magazines, a pair of military uniform, combat boots and a bag containing personal belongings recovered from five suspected political thugs.

Okunlola disclosed that the ammunition was recovered during an intensive patrol of Mansonkri Fishing Camp, Southern Ijaw Creek in Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

He further explained  that preliminary investigation was ongoing to determine the mission of the five arrested suspects.

“On December 3, 2015, following a tip-off, our troops arrested five suspected political thugs in their hideouts at Okaka, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while on patrol"

“They were arrested while in possession of 36 hand grenades, two empty AK 47 rifle magazines, a pair of military uniform, combat boots and a bag containing personal belongings”, he said.

In Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, residents accused militants of threatening to unleash mayhem in the place. Residents have also expressed fear of violence.

Some security operatives are also apprehensive following their posting to the Bayelsa Local Government Area, known to be volatile during election periods.

There are also allegations that some hoodlums in Southern Ijaw had sewn fake police and army uniforms with the intent of disrupting the electoral process through violence.

In reaction to the alleged allegations and panic,the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the police had made adequate deployment of operatives to deal “decisively” with any violent conduct.

He waved aside the fears expressed by the residents as unnecessary stating that the Police force had already carried out a risk assessment in all the areas in the state, including Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

 “It is a rumour. Our deployment is enough to deal decisively with any untoward occurrence. A unique tag will be used by security agents for proper identification. The police are adequately prepared to maintain law and order."

“We have deployed enough security personnel in all parts of the state, including Southern Ijaw. So, the residents should not panic. The police are on top of the situation. No fewer than 14,000 officers and men have been deployed in the state.” He said.

Butswat, therefore,urged the residents to go out and exercise their rights to vote without panic and intimidation.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Paritor Kpatih, had earlier, said that INEC did not experience any difficulty while sending election materials to the coastal areas, adding that the materials were dispatched with gunboats.