Balyesa Monarch Escape Death Gunmen Storms Residence

Unknown armed robbers gained access to the monarch’s residence after cutting off the burglary proofs of the King’s house.

The paramount ruler of Oluasiri, Chief Iyerite Awululu, on Tuesday escaped death as a three-man gang of armed robbers stormed his residence on Otiotio Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

It was further learnt that the robbers after the successful invasion, dealt several machete cuts on the monarch (Awululu).

The dare-devil robbers were said to have abandoned the monarch in the pool of his blood after making away with some money and valuables.

Awululu was said to have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the state capital by sympathisers where he is reportedly recuperating.

Sources said the armed robbers, who carried out their operations successfully, bolted from the scene of the incident uncaught.

The incident was said to have created tension in the area as residents, who later heard of the ugly incident, were gripped by fear. 

They had rationalised that if they (robbers) could rob the house of a monarch with such an audacity, their lives were not safe.

They, therefore, called on the security agencies and the relevant authorities to beam their searchlight on the area, noting that their lives were not secure.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, confirmed the robbery. 

Butswat said the incident, which took place about 3.15pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, was carried out by three robbers armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons.

The police spokesman said, ” On July 19, 2016 at about 0315hours, three men armed with machetes went to the residence of one Chief Iyerite Awululu, the paramount ruler of Oluasiri, on Otiotio Road, Yenagoa.

“They (robbers) cut off the burglary proof, stole N9,000 and wounded the King with their machetes.”

Butswat said the victim (Awululu) was taken to a hospital where he was responding to treatment. 

He stated that efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and that investigation was ongoing.

The spate of armed robberies and other violent crimes had been on the increase in Bayelsa, particularly in the state capital since the economic recession in the state began.