The Bayelsa capital, Yenagoa and the surrounding towns as well as the creeks recorded low crime rate during the Christmas and New Year celebrations an official of the government has said.
Dr Boma Spero-Jack, the Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Seriake Dickson Bayelsa made the assertion on Friday in Lagos.
“Bayelsa has indeed changed! The city now has nightlife, encouraging people to stay out late to unwind and have fun after the day’s hard work.
“The serene atmosphere was devoid of the usual intermittent disruptions by loud sounds of gunshots and violent clashes by rival cult groups,’’ Spero-Jack said in a statement.
“In a long while, Bayelsans have not celebrated the Yuletide like they have done since 2012. Parties were held until very late at night and in some places until dawn without any reported cases of crime.
“Not a single car was reported snatched throughout the period. People celebrated and moved about freely.’’
The statement, however, added that a few years ago, this would have been unimaginable.
“Security sources in the state agree that this is the result of a well-planned, well-marshalled and coordinated approach by all security agencies in the state backed by the governor’s strong political will,’’ it said.
It said that the security agencies worked round the clock to nip all criminal activities in the bud as they had jointly done every year since the commencement of the Dickson’s administration.
According to the statement, some people who relocated to Yenagoa after living somewhere else for decades were amazed at the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“The people spent the Yuletide with family and friends in Tombia, moving around even at 2 a.m.
“Even in Amarata and Kpansia, where nobody would have dared to move freely in the night some years ago, there was generally a peaceful atmosphere.
“Security personnel patrolled the areas regularly. Besides the fact that many people didn’t have enough money to celebrate, there was no threat to our peace or movement,’’ it added.
The statement noted that many of the youths who were involved in militant activities and crime were now off the streets.
It said that some are enjoying the Amnesty Programme, while many others had been engaged in the government’s scholarship scheme and other training programmes.
“Before Dickson came on board, there was a culture of violence during which people committed crime with impunity and the youths openly celebrated criminals.
“Proceeds of crime were a major attraction to the youths. This situation was compounded by acute shortage of schools, hospitals and there was virtually no nightlife in Yenagoa.
“The Government made it clear it would not tolerate crime and any form of criminality.
“To combat the rampant spate of criminal activities, the government undertook wide consultations and meeting with youths, civil servants, market men and women, communities and security agencies.
“And eventually it came up with an extensive security architecture which incorporates a philosophical dimension of the role of the youths, collaboration between all security agencies and citizens,’’ the statement said. (NAN)