The police said one Promise Menshak has been arrested for the murder while 17 persons including a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Alex Ekiotenne, have been invited in connection with the murder.
June was stabbed to death with machetes last Wednesday while returning from Ekeremor town after attending the APC governorship campaign along with others who also suffered various degrees of injuries.
Confirming the arrest, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the prime suspect, Promise Meshak, had been apprehended. He said Meshak, a 23-year-old man, alleged inflicted machete cuts on the deceased APC member, which led to his eventual death.
“I can tell you that the prime suspect, Promise Meshak has been apprehended. If there are other persons arrested in connection with the murder, it is for investigation purpose. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
In a statement on Saturday, Director, Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, said the recent violent attack perpetrated by the alleged PDP thugs and arrest of the killer had confirmed the fears of the APC that the PDP was stockpiling arms to cause mayhem in a bid to rig the election.
Egba said, “Bayelsans and Nigerians can now truly see which of the political parties and candidates are spoiling for war to intimidate and harass APC members. The APC and the governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, have commended the police for rising to the occasion to check the excesses of the opposition and their thugs.
“We urge the police to continue to remain neutral and courageous enough to deal decisively with any group or individual that engages in acts capable of disrupting the election.”
Earlier, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, had condemned the killing of Andrew June in Oweiggbene community in Ekeremor LGA of the state. The governor, who said he was deeply moved by the death of the man, called on the security agencies in the state to urgently investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor also cautioned politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during campaigns. He noted that election is not a do-or-die affair and therefore any acts of violence should be condemned.
Meanwhile, the APC has lauded the police for the timely arrest of the suspected murderer and interrogation of other persons in connection with the murder.
Tags
Politics