The police in Bayelsa have arrested one Promise Meshak for the alleged murder of a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Andrew June.
The police were also said to have invited 17 persons including a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alex Ekiotenne, in connection with the death. June was stabbed to death with machetes last Wednesday while returning from Ekeremor town after attending the APC governorship campaign along with others who also suffered various degrees of injuries.
Confirming the arrest on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the prime suspect, Meshak, was apprehended. He said Meshak, a 23-year-old man, allegedly inflicted the deceased APC member with machete cuts which led to his eventual death. He, however, said others — either arrested or invited — were for investigation purpose, adding that the public would be kept abreast of the development.
“I can tell you that the prime suspect, Promise Meshak, has been apprehended. If there are other persons arrested in connection with the murder, it is for investigation purpose. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has condemned the killing of June in Oweiggbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who said he was deeply moved by the death of the man, called on security agencies in the state to urgently investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor also cautioned politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during electioneering.
Meanwhile, the APC has lauded the police for the timely arrest of the suspected murderer and interrogation of other persons in connection with the murder.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Director, Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Nathan Egba.
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