By Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa
The families of Bolouzimo Tulagha , a 39-year-old indigene of Agudama Ekpetiama community who was shot dead by operatives of Joint Military Task Force code named Operation Delta Safe (ODS)
in Polaku community of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, has approached the Bayelsa Judicial Panel of Inquiry on alleged Extra-Judicial killing.
According to the families, the deceased Bolouzimo Tulagha is a legitimate local boat driver, was shot dead on the 13th of January, 2017 at the Polako community waterside in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the State during a Military security operation against suspected militants and gun runners.
In a petition submitted by the family before the Justice Emmanuel Ogola Judicial Panel, an operative of the Operation Delta Safe (ODS) identified as Abdul of the Otiotio Unit of the Joint Security Task Force shot dead Bolouzimo Tulagha over allege suspicion of sale of guns.
The family claimed in the petition that the killing of their son by the operative of the Odd is against the officer’s rule of engagement which the armed forces including the Odd is constrained by law to comply with.
While the authorities of the Joint Military Task Force code named Operation Delta Safe claimed that the security operation that led to the killing of the boat driver was right and necessary, the family of the deceased claimed the Boat Driver was shot dead by the soldiers after surrendering with a raise of hands and that he was innocent of the charges of alleged militancy and gun running.
Also filed before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry was a case of police Brutality filed by one Mrs. Ebiemie Ename against one Seargent Fustina over allege use of belt to injure one of her eyes during verbal argument at the market on the 12th of November, 2014.
According to the petition, Ebiemieme, who hails from Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa local government Council of the state, accused the female Sargent Fustina of allegedly using the buckled side of her police belt to injure her in the eye during an argument in the market.
The Bayelsa Judicial Panel headed by retired Justice Emmanuel Ogola has however adjourned hearing of all petitions to January 7th and 8th,2021.
