The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the discovery of the body of the missing boat driver, Owei Ibolo. Ibolo, aged 47 and a native of Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State, was declared missing in the Bakana Waterway in Degema Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, Ibolo was allegedly forced by gunmen who entered his boat at the Bakana Jetty after shooting sporadically and ordering him to drive on Sunday. Despite several hours passing with no word from him, his colleagues in the boat union and family decided to initiate a search.
Lolo Dokubo, a relative of the deceased, spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and revealed that Ibolo’s body was found at the Bakana Sand-field, while his boat remained missing. Dokubo alleged that Ibolo was killed by four armed men who were shooting indiscriminately before boarding his boat.
The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and the arrest of a suspect. She stated, “Yes, I can confirm that the man was shot. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.”
Lolo Dokubo also mentioned that a suspect had already been handed over to the Marine Police in Abonema for further investigation. He appealed to the Bakana community to assist in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice for Ibolo, as well as recovering the victim’s boat.
The Bakana waterway was recently blocked by members of the Bakana Boat Union following the killing of the boat driver. The boat drivers called on the police to increase security surveillance on the waterways and apprehend the suspects.
The Rivers State Police Command continues to investigate the case, and efforts are being made to bring the culprits to justice.
