The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the tragic death of Owei Ibolo, a boat driver who was found dead days after he went missing. Ibolo, a 47-year-old native of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, disappeared after a violent incident at the Bakana Jetty in the Degema Local Government Area. The incident took place when armed gunmen reportedly forced him to drive them away after entering his boat and firing shots into the air on a Sunday.
Following several hours of silence and no communication from Ibolo, his colleagues from the boat union and his worried family members launched a desperate search for him. Their worst fears were confirmed when Ibolo’s body was discovered at the Bakana Sand-field, though his boat was still missing. This heartbreaking revelation was made by his relative, Lolo Dokubo, during an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Dokubo explained that the boat driver had been killed by four armed men who were seen shooting indiscriminately before heading towards the waterside and seizing his boat. The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, verifying that Ibolo had indeed been shot and that one suspect had been arrested in relation to the case. She assured that a thorough investigation was underway to uncover more details and bring all involved to justice.
In an earlier statement, Dokubo mentioned that the suspect had been handed over to the Marine Police in Abonema for further investigation. He also called on the Bakana community to assist the police in capturing the remaining perpetrators and ensuring they are brought to justice. The recovery of the victim’s boat was also emphasized as a critical aspect of resolving the case.
Dokubo recounted the harrowing events, stating, “About four boys came out from the Bakana community with rifles and began to shoot. They didn’t use boats. They just came out from the community, entered the boat, and drove away with him (Ibolo).” This chaotic and violent scene left the community in shock and mourning.
The discovery of Ibolo’s body was a grim moment for his family. Dokubo shared that around 4 pm on the day they received a call from one of the drivers of a passenger boat traveling from Bakana to Port Harcourt. The driver had spotted a corpse at the Bakana Sand-field and notified them. When they arrived at the scene, they were devastated to find it was indeed Ibolo. Dokubo expressed the family’s desire for justice, stating, “What we want is for justice to be done.”
In response to the tragedy, the Bakana waterway was blocked by members of the Bakana Boat Union, who were deeply aggrieved by the killing of their colleague. They demanded that the police increase security surveillance on the waterways to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure the swift arrest of all suspects involved in Ibolo’s death.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the region. The community’s cooperation with the police is crucial to solving this case and preventing further violence. The arrest of the suspect is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. Authorities must continue their efforts to apprehend all individuals responsible and bring them to justice, ensuring that the waterways become safe once more for those who navigate them daily.