Police kill vigilante member over alleged vendetta in Rivers

The Marine unit of the Rivers State Police Command has killed one Ibinabo George, a member of Degema Local Government Security outfit.

George was shot on April 15th while driving one of the speed boat in a routine patrol with members of Anti- Bunkering unit of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria(IPMAN), South -South coastal water ways.

The Marine Police which accosted him between Degema and Isaka in Okirika Local Government Area water ways, accused him of being a sea pirate.

The Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign has, however, called on the Rivers Commissioner, Eboka Friday to order an immediate and unbiased investigation into the killing of Mr George.

The rights advocacy group in a statement made by its National Coordinator, Prince Wiro said the call became necessary following allegations made by the Chairman of IPMAN Anti-Bunkering unit in South-South, coastal water ways, Prince John Okorosa that the killing which was targeted at members of the unit was based on malice and personal vendetta the Officer in Charge of the Marine Police has against them.

They accused the police of attacking the Anti-Bunkering unit over some ‘questionable’ conducts of some officers of the Marine Police unit.

Mr Wiro stressed that only a thorough and unbiased investigation will unravel the truth as the Chairman of Anti-Bunkering unit of IPMAN, in South-South coastal revealed that his officials are known to the Marine Police unit and has been working with the Marine Police officers.

Wiro said that other relevant security agencies recognised the group, as it has necessary documents from Defence headquarters and Police headquarters, Abuja which approved their operation.

Mr Wiro urged the Commissioner of Police to ensure justice is served to all the parties involved to justify his statement in his maiden press briefing that all reported human rights abuses will be promptly investigated and officers found culpable brought to book.

The group equally called on members of Anti-Bunkering unit of IPMAN, South South coastal ways and the Degema LGA security outfit to remain law abiding while the outcome of the Police investigation is being awaited.