The Bayelsa State Police Command has made significant progress in its investigation into the gruesome killings of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, a 50-year-old in-law to Governor Douye Diri, along with HRH Kolibo Amabelimo, the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba Community, and Samuel Oburo.
The victims were murdered in cold blood in Kalaba community, located in Yenagoa Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the region and sparking widespread calls for justice.
Suspects Identified and Gang Connection Revealed
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed on Monday that the heinous act was allegedly perpetrated by three individuals: Gideon Atama (32), Bethlehem Nwanlia (49), and Clever Ovo (33). While Atama and Nwanlia remain at large, Clever Ovo has been apprehended and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, Commissioner Idu disclosed that Ovo confessed to being a member of the notorious Endurance Amagbein gang, a violent criminal group with a record of organized crime, including assassinations, illegal arms possession, and infrastructure sabotage.
“He has admitted their affiliation with the Endurance Amagbein gang,” Idu said, highlighting the gang’s operational reach and their suspected involvement in previous high-profile attacks in the Niger Delta.
Links to Okuama Massacre and Arms Cache Discovered
Authorities revealed that the gang’s leader, Endurance Amagbein, is currently on the Nigerian Army’s wanted list for his alleged role in the 2024 massacre of 16 soldiers in the Okuama community, Delta State.
Further investigations led to the discovery of critical evidence. Suspect Gideon Atama, who is still being pursued, was reportedly seen dressed in military camouflage and found in possession of a mobile phone containing images of high-caliber rifles and voice notes detailing past criminal operations.
Police believe the gang is also responsible for acts of vandalism targeting oil installations across Bayelsa and neighboring states. Preliminary findings suggest the existence of sponsors facilitating these criminal operations, and authorities have launched efforts to identify and apprehend them.
Pipeline Vandalism: Elderly Boat Captain Arrested
In a related development, officers attached to the Labrado Security houseboat stationed at Igbikiba, Southern Ijaw LGA, arrested a boat captain, Daniel Williams, believed to be around 200 years old, though his age is likely a typographical or record error.
Williams is facing allegations of involvement in pipeline vandalism, specifically a recent attack on the Tebidaba-Brass trunkline at Lakosogbene community, also in Southern Ijaw. His arrest is considered a breakthrough in the crackdown on economic sabotage in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Ongoing Investigations and Security Measures
Commissioner Idu assured the public that the Bayelsa State Police Command remains committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice. “We are intensifying our manhunt for the remaining suspects and are working closely with the military and local vigilante groups to dismantle the Endurance Amagbein network,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in the ongoing investigation, especially regarding the sponsors and financiers of the gang’s operations.
