Governor Douye Diri has waded into the killing of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei, demanding that the Nigerian Police accelerate its investigation to ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The governor’s directive follows a wave of public outcry after Peresuodei, an indigene of Amassoma in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly died from injuries sustained during an assault.
The violence allegedly stemmed from a heated online disagreement with an individual identified as Bodmas Kemepadei.
Presiding over the 181st State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Diri emphasised that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy for extrajudicial violence.
He revealed that he has already instructed the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Justice to take over the case file.
“It is a case of murder, and we want a diligent investigation to unravel those who carried out the act,” Diri stated.
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“The process must be expedited so that all those culpable will face the law.”
The governor reminded the public that in cases of murder, the legal battle is between the state and the culprit, reinforcing his commitment to seeing the matter through to a conviction.
Addressing the grief-stricken Amassoma community, Diri urged the youth and local leaders to remain peaceful and assist law enforcement with credible information.
He assured the family of the deceased that his administration would not allow the case to be swept under the rug.
In a sombre turn during the meeting, Governor Diri also paid tribute to the victims of a fatal road accident that occurred last Friday.
The victims were travelling to attend the burial of the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, father of the Deputy Governor.
Two citizens lost their lives; several others sustained injuries.
Diri hailed the deceased as “patriotic Bayelsans” and promised government support for their families.
The governor thanked the Ewhrudjakpo family and the Ofoni community for their cooperation during the high-profile burial.
Earlier that day, a delegation from Ofoni, led by Oyowvin Osusu, visited the Government House to formally thank the state for its support during their period of mourning.
