Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State has told criminals in the state that there was no hiding place for them in the State.
Diri made the remarks on Tuesday during the 17th state security council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa while commenting on the abduction of Mr. Mike Ogiasa, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in the state.
Diri stated that Mr. Ogiasa would regain his freedom, he further stated that the perpetrators would face the wrath of the law.
Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in a statement said that the people of the state and the Ijaw nation at large were known for honesty, truth, and hard work and wondered why some youths allowed themselves to be used as agents of criminality.
He further cautioned Bayelsans to seek legitimate means of making money rather than resorting to crime, stressing that the government would deal with perpetrators.
His words: “Let no youth be used to terrorize our brothers and sisters. Recently, a video clip of a kidnapped former commissioner has been in circulation. Unfortunately, people take pleasure in using it to give a negative connotation and image of our state.
“The government is not sleeping on that matter. We are working on it and by God’s grace, we believe and hope that the victim will come out alive.
“Ijaw people are known for honesty, truth, and hard work. No youth should be deceived into committing a crime and see it as a legitimate means of livelihood.
“My administration has declared a zero-tolerance for crime. So, I again advise our youths to move away from crime and criminality. The government has the capacity to deal with situations like this.
“Our country is facing security challenges. These are not normal times. So, we need the support of the people. Be vigilant, and cooperate with the government and the security agencies by availing them of the necessary information.
“Mike Ogiasa must be released immediately. Security agents are working on it and I am sure in the end we will triumph.”
At the end of the meeting, Governor Diri handed over 28 Hilux vehicles to the state police command to combat crime.
The vehicles were received by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Okolo.
In December 2021, the governor also presented 50 patrol vehicles and 40 motorbikes to the security agencies in the state.
