As previously reported in Nigeria P&S, the Nigerian army has deployed officers from the Joint Task Force (JTF) to the streets of Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, in a bid to quell the worsening security situation in the State.
Over the past few weeks, there have been numerous attacks on political office holders, politicians and other individuals in the State, a situation that has been attributed to the fallout of political factions in the State and activists of cultists.
Recently, attacks on the homes of impeached Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Peremobowei Ebebi and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Conflict Resolution Mike Wenifowei were reported. On Friday 30th July, two men and a woman were killed at Imgbi junction, Yenagoa by a gang of armed men, and the home of the Chairman of Bayelsa State's Sanitation Authority, Reginald Dede, was also attacked by gunmen.
On Sunday 1st August, an attack on the country home of Governor Timipre Sylva, in which his octogenarian uncle was assaulted, was also reported. On Monday 2nd August, armed men invaded the country home of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Nestor Binabo, killing a 22 year-old man and injuring several others.
Opposing political factions in the State, who have both suffered casualties in the attacks, have predictably pointed accusing fingers at each other in the attacks. Head of the JTF, Colonel Timothy Antigha, stated that JTF's intervention was sought at the insistence of Governor Sylva and there was “no cause for alarm”.
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