The murder of a 49-year-old man identified as Chief Alexander Diri, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has sparked protest in Bayelsa State.
The incident was said to have occurred on Monday, March 13, 2023, around the Zarama-Yambiri community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
The lifeless body of the deceased was discovered on Tuesday near the Zarama Market junction on the East-West Road.
A source in the community, who confirmed the incident to PUNCH, said the attackers stabbed the victim multiple times and beheaded him.
“They cut off his head and stabbed him anyhow,” the source said.
A Facebook user, Alika Kemebi, who shared photos of the victim on his page, described the murder as unacceptable, unthinkable, and unpardonable.
“Alexander Diri is a native of Nyambiri – Zarama in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. He went to the farm yesterday been 13th March, 2023 and never returned only to find out today, Alex was murdered in a cold blood in the forest by suspected Marauding killer Fulani herdsmen, they slit his throat and dumped his lifeless body in the bush path,” he wrote.
“It is Worthy of Note that this is not the first time Zarama clan is recording such a gruesome murder by the Fulani herdsmen. Sometime in the year 2005, same killer herdsmen took advantage of another young man popularly call Ezeniya AKA Kpotum, he was also killed in a cold blood,”
“Zarama clan in Yenagoa Local Government Area is one of the most peaceful and hospitable Kingdom in the anals of history. We are Appealing to the Govt and all relevant authorities to nip the heightened threat by these killer Fulani herdsmen in the bud cut across the Okordia Zarama Biseni Clans. RIP Chief Alexander Diri.” he added.
The protest resulted in gridlock and disrupted vehicular movement, leaving many travellers stranded.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.
“On March 13, 2023, one Alexander Diri ‘m’ 49 was murdered by suspected herders at Yambiri community, Zarama, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Police detectives have visited the scene and the corpse was evacuated to the hospital for autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.” he added.
