Military Probes Bayelsa Governor’s Alleged Link to Wanted Gang Leader
ASABA/Nigeria: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is currently investigating a potential connection between Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the wanted leader, , Endurance Okodeh, alias Amangben, of a gang responsible for the murder of 16 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Intelligence reports suggest that Amangben may have been harboured by Governor Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa. The suspected gang leader, known for oil bunkering activities, is reportedly a political ally of the governor, with strong ties to Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The military has identified Amangben as the leader of the gang responsible for the brutal killings and has intensified efforts to locate him. Speculation that he may have fled to his paternal community in Bayelsa State led to a recent raid on Igbomotoru community, but Amangben was not found.
Sources within security circles suggest that Governor Douye Diri’s association with Amangben, particularly during the gubernatorial election, raises suspicions of providing sanctuary for the fugitive in Government House, Yenagoa. The military is also searching for Lucky Okodeh, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Weris Tike, Chairman of the state’s Waterways Committee, due to their alleged ties to Amangben.
Both Okodeh and Tike have reportedly gone into hiding as the military intensifies its search for Amangben. The military believes that these individuals may have information that could lead to the arrest of the prime suspect in the soldiers’ murder.
