Elections: I-G orders immediate prosecution of perpetrators of Bayelsa violence

The acting Inspector-General of Police (IG-P), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of alleged violence against a senior police officer on Sunday in Bayelsa.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal SARS in Bayelsa, Mr Kola Okunola, was on Sunday allegedly taken hostage and stripped naked by thugs suspected to be sponsored by one of the political parties.

Okunola was held for allegedly refusing to append his signature on fake results sheet.

A statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Mr Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, on Monday in Abuja, said Adamu said that those involved would be prosecuted, no matter their positions.

The I-G, who described the incident as unwarranted and unprovoked, warned that under his watch, such brazen acts of impunity would not be condoned.

In a related development, the police have arrested five male suspects in Umuahia, Abia, for allegedly attacking a Deputy Superintendent of Police on election duty.

Mba said that the attacks had highlighted the risks inherent in policing the country.

He said that there was the need for stakeholders and government at all levels, to continue to support police in the discharge of their responsibilities.