Leaders of the Opu-Nembe community in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pleading with him to intervene and resolve the conflict rocking the area.
The letter was signed by community leaders, including Chief E.T. Ikoli, Chief Johnbull Efere, Afuroyanate Beredugo, Naomi Jonah, Alanabo Digigha, and Mr Ayebaemi Kieriseiye.
The letter, which was made available to reporters on Wednesday, revealed that the Inspector General of Police had initiated a criminal case regarding the tragic incident on February 15, where innocent citizens were killed in the community.
Also, one Kojo Sam, a well-known pipeline surveillance contractor was also mentioned to have been associated with the attackers in the open letter to the President.
The attack is said to have resulted in the deaths of Baite Agala, Queen Kieriseiye, and Inikio Walter, who were unarmed.
The attackers were said to have also caused significant damage to property worth millions of naira and left many residents homeless.
The gunmen, according to the letter, have since occupied the community, instilling fear and terror among the populace.
According to the community elders, many residents who oppose the presence of the gubmen have either fled or live in constant fear of retaliation.
The letter sent to the President reads:
“Your Excellency, we have just been reliably informed by DCP Simon Lough (SAN) who is the Lead Prosecuting Counsel in the case that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF)has decided not to prosecute the matter further (nolle prosequi). “Hence the witnesses failed to show up when called upon to testify in court.
“While we acknowledge the power of the AGF to give formal notice to discontinue a court case instituted by any authority or person in the country, he can only do that based on “public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process” as enshrined in our extant laws. Your Excellency will agree with us that this particular murder case is of utmost public interest and too grave to be discontinued without getting justice.
“We believe the alleged action of the AGF not only negates the ideals of justice but also the fundamental principles of fairness, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law in all situations. The purported action if successfully executed will further lead to a betrayal of trust the terrorized but helpless people of Opu-Nembe have in our legal system.”
The letter further appealed to the President to call the Attorney General to order and take decisive action to rectify any order that may have been given surreptitiously.
They appealed that urgent steps be taken to restore confidence in the judiciary and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality for all.
