Slain Female Food Vendor: Ohaneze, Journalists Demands Justice In Bayelsa

Members of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State and Igbos residing in the state have urged security operatives to expedite action to identify and prosecute those that shot and killed a food vendor , Mrs. Precious Okwuadigbo over the weekend in the state.

Mrs. Okwuadigbo, a 35 year old food vendor and mother of two was allegedly shot and killed at her business place near a popular club in Yenagoa by a suspected drunk security personnel in the early hours of Saturday, who after drinking, shoot sporadically.

Though, some eye witnesses told Journalists that the security officer involved in the killing was a naval personnel who has been patronizing the club, but the spokesperson to the Central Naval Command, Mrs. Patricia Dike denied that none of its personnel was involved in such act as they are not allowed to bear fire arm after duty.

Meanwhile the Igbo Community residing in Bayelsa State under the aegis of Ohaneze Ndigbo in a peaceful protest to the State Police headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS) urged the investigative agencies to ensure that the killer is identify and brought to justice.

The South South Coordinator of Ohaneze Youth Wing, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, wondered why innocent Nigerian doing her legitimate business would be killed by an alleged drunk security personnel and the authority will be trying to conceal the perpetrator.

He urged the security agencies to step up their operations to ensure that justice is done for the sake of the young children where Mrs. Okwuadigbo left behind.

The deceased body has since been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre mortuary in Yenagoa.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has already assured the people that the investigation is ongoing and the perpetrators will be identified and justice done to the deceased family.

The deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Mr Olajide Kolawole, who addressed the protesters said they have already launched manhunt on the suspected killers.

He said “The ugly incident that happened is very unfortunate, nobody prays for it, the command is extending its condolence to the family, we have heard your complaints and we want to assure you that that the Nigerian police will not leave any stone unturned, on ensuring that the mystery behind the death of Precious is uncovered and ensure that justice is done.

“It is not only that we just close our eyes or we don’t know what has happened, but we just want to assure you that justice is done, whoever that is behind the shooting and killing of Precious will be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has condemned what it described as “the gruesome murder of Mrs, Precious Chioma Okwuadigbo while doing her legitimate business by alleged officers of the Nigerian Navy. They called on security agencies to ensure justice is done.