Attack on Igbo: Bayelsa govt sues for peace as traders join manhunt

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Government has intervened in the crisis between Biogbolo community and Igbo traders over the killing of an 18-year-old girl, Faith Pius in a hotel by one Tochukwu, who is now at large.
This was even as the Igbo traders had decided to lock their shops in solidarity with the deceased until Tochukwu was arrested and made to face the law.
The government, in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Jonathan Obuebite called on residents of the state to remain calm and avoid any further act that could disrupt the existing peace as security agents intensified hunt of the suspected murderer of the teenage girl.
Obuebite, who condemned the dastardly act in strong terms, added that it was purely a criminal act and the state security agencies were working tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind the killings.
He seized the opportunity to dissuade the rumour making the rounds that the deceased was mutilated, noting that the story was unfounded as the police commissioner had confirmed that the remains of the teenage girl were found intact.
Obuebite, while advising residents in the area not to see the incident as an ethnic or tribal issue,  urged them to allow the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties of unravelling the mystery surrounding the incident.
According to him, government had warned youths in the area not to disrupt the peace of the state, stressing that residents of the Biogbolo area of Yenagoa should remain peaceful, law abiding and go about their lawful duties without any fear of molestation or discrimination.
Meanwhile, the Igbo traders in a move to douse tension convened an emergency meeting and decided to join the manhunt for the suspect.