Ex-militant heads task force to protect Bayelsa waterways

GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has appointed the former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND),Ebikabowei Victor-Ben popularly known as Boyloaf and 10 others to head an l1- man special task force to secure creeks and waterways in the State against violent crimes.
Meanwhile, Dickson has also approved the setting up of a special marine component of the State security outfit known as Doo Akpor
The inauguration of the task force is coming barely few days after the coalition of ex-militant leaders in the state assisted men of the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) to secure the release of three high profile victims, including the 90 year old mother of Senator Emmanuel Paulker and the younger brother of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson.
According to Governor Dickson, the task force is expected to tackle rising incidence of kidnappings, sea piracy, illegal bunkering and oil pipeline vandalism that, have been on the increase in recent times in the State.
The 11 man task force has Ebikabowei Victor Ben as chairman, with Osei Clever as vice chairman, while Tony Ekisa, Reuben Wilson, Ayibatari Odio, Alalebo West, as members.

Others are Ibarakumo Otobo, Daubiri Samba, Chiefson O. Chiefson, Etai Daniel and Pius Andabai Wariyai.
Dickson expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity on waterways and called on community leaders, youths and the public to be vigilant and cooperate with the special task force as well as the various security agencies to flush out the perpetrators of criminal activities in the waters.
The marine component is expected to be headed by a serving naval officer from the State.
According to the governor, the date for the inauguration of the special task force and the leadership of Operation Doo Akpor Marine will be announced later, adding that both bodies will function under the direct supervision and coordination of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Bernard Kenebai.(rtd)