Varsity student’s murder: Bayelsa police nab suspect

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested one suspect, Okodi in connection with the murder of a final-year Political Science student of Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, Palowei Asayomor Francis.

Some suspected area boys and cultists were said to have killed Francis over a dispute regarding the payment of an illegal levy at Sand Dump, a relaxation spot at the university town.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, confirmed, in an interview, that a suspect has been arrested, while efforts were on to arrest the other fleeing suspects. He disclosed further that additional policemen were deployed to the community to ensure no breakdown of law and order.

Findings indicated that the police were searching for two other prime suspects believed to have been instrumental in the murder of Francis. One of the suspects is a notorious cultist, who is an indigene of Amassoma, fingered in several killings, but has always evaded the law. The killing of Francis prompted several students to send several WhatsApp messages, calling on the people to help apprehend the suspects.

In response to the killing of Francis, the students from Ekeremor Local Government Area convened an emergency meeting, yesterday, to deliberate on the next line of action following the killing of Francis. The notice of the meeting, signed by Concerned Ekeremor Local Government Area Youths and Students, stated that the meeting was important, declaring that “injury to one, is an injury to all’’.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Ogboin North Rural Development Authority (RDA), Chief Francis .T. Aguobiri, the Acting Amananaowei of Amassoma Community, HRH Godwill Akedesuo, Asari Kerry, and the Council of Chiefs have met with the Students Union Government (SUG); National Union of Bayelsa State Students; National Union of Izon-Ibe Students; National Union of Ekeremor Students and other students unions, pleading with them to suspend any form of protest in the community over the killing.

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Aguobiri expressed his displeasure over the sad incident and assured the students that all the culprits will be brought to book as the community and the security agents are on the matter hence the need to douse tension among all parties. He also stated that the Amassoma people are lovers of visitors, and as such will never condone the barbaric act of murder. He said the leadership of the community would ensure the culprits face the full weight of the law.