By LUCKY OJI

A coalition of groups has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim, to prosecute those behind the disbanded security outfit in Bayelsa State, Operation Famou Tangbei (OFT).

The IGP disbanded the outfit about a week ago.

The coalition, in a press statement, signed by Charles Mpoho (Amnesty International), Eghosa Osaro (Niger Delta Coalition for Good Governance), Nwokedi Nworisara (Niger Delta Intervention Group) and Timi Igolobia (Save Bayelsa Inititative), said the disbandment was long overdue because the outfit was used to intimidate, maim and oppress members of opposition parties in the state.

“Rather than maintain peace and security, the OFT became an instrument of intimidation and extortion like the Gestapo under Nazi Germany. The OFT became a tool in the hands of political office holders in Bayelsa State to seize land from the less-privileged and those not politically connected. We also learnt that the present administration is planning to use the OFT to commit violence and rig the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State,” the coalition said.

“When you consider the circumstances of the abduction and killing of 22-year-old Freddie Philip Ockiya in Yenagoa on September 12, 2011, it is obvious that OFT operators have become a law unto themselves.

“Such cases are numerous in Bayelsa State and most of the victims could not complain for fear of being maimed or killed by OFT operatives. These are just some of several cases of unreported extra-judicial killings in the state.”

It appealed to the Presidency and the Force Headquarters to immediately set up a panel to investigate the OFT activities and bring culprits to justice for full restitution.