Bayelsa Govt Hails Security Agencies for Rescuing Expatriate, Assures on Top-notch Security Measures

The Bayelsa State Government has expressed gratitude to security agencies in the state for their swift response that led to the immediate rescue of an expatriate staff of PAACHE Construction Limited.

Governor Douye Diri, gave the commendation on Saturday while receiving the rescued expatriate, simply identified as Mr Rony in Government House Yenagoa.

PAACHE Construction Limited is the contractor handling the 4.5-kilometer Igbedi road project in the state.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Governor particularly commended the service commanders and their men for showing true commitment to his administration’s security efforts.

He noted that the swift and highly professional rescue operation which led to the death of one of the kidnappers of Mr Rony speaks to the zero tolerance stance of the state government.

Governor Diri, who disclosed that security agents were on the trail of the others who escaped with serious gunshot injuries, urged the public to provide actionable intelligence that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

He warned that government would deal decisively with any community or healthcare provider found complicit in rendering any form of help to the fleeing kidnappers.

The Bayelsa Chief Executive equally reminded criminals of the state kidnapping and other security laws and vowed to implement them to the letter with the aim of enhancing peace and stability to attract more investors.

Governor Diri, who was full of appreciation to God for the divine grace upon his administration, called on people of the state to take the state annual thanksgiving service which holds every 2nd of November seriously.

His words:” First of all, we want to give thanks to God. We give Him all the praises. Bayelsa is actually the state dedicated to God and it’s actually the glory of all lands. 

“Today would have been a very black spot or a dent on our thanksgiving if the kidnappers had succeeded. As you are aware, the activities marking the 10th annual thanksgiving are commencing today with a Solemn Assembly. 

“We believe that it’s the finger of God that actually intervened for us to get this security outcome that brought about the rescue of the kidnapped expatriate. I say so because the victim was not hurt.

“Our gallant men of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Navy and other sister agencies that were involved in the operation, none of them sustained fatal injury. But the kidnappers had a casualty.

“We want to use this opportunity on behalf of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State to commend the service commanders, especially beginning with the Commissioner of Police who was able to do the usual synergy and collaboration.

“As you are aware, we have a very cordial and productive working relationship and synergy with the security agencies in the state- the Navy and the Police, the Navy and the Army, the Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) and so on.

“We want to commend our gallant officers and men who have been making a lot of sacrifice. I think this is one of the outcomes of the Operation Still Waters that was launched few weeks ago in the state. 

“Our Government is making concerted efforts to create enabling environment where our youths will earn a living through positive and legitimate means. But those who want to earn a living through crime and criminality and other illegal means will have themselves to blame.

 
“And I am happy that our security men are beginning to teach these miscreants and criminals in the language they will understand.
“We want to once again send a message to our communities. We are aware, some of the kidnappers escaped with fatal and life threatening injuries. We want to enjoin our communities not to harbour such criminals. 

“If they do, they would be seen as accomplices to the act of kidnapping, and such actions will not be taken lightly by the prosperity government. Hospitals are also put on alert that anyone who comes with gunshot injuries should be reported to the security agencies.
“We also want to use this opportunity to tell our investors that Bayelsa still remains one of the safest states to do business in Nigeria.

Investors should not be afraid. It’s important to note that there is no place in the world where there is no security challenges. 
“But what matters is, how such security challenges are handled. We are quite sure this incident won’t deter investors or the company handling the road construction in the state. We have the capacity to protect lives and property in our state.

“We want to thank the company for their understanding. As a state we will continue to encourage and support them. We are starting our thanksgiving on a positive note. I want to once again thank the service commanders and their men for job well done. The reward for good work is more work.”

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