The Acting Amananaowei of Amassoma Community, His Royal Highness, Chief Godwill Akedesuo, has strongly condemned the brutal and unlawful killing of Patrick Peresuodei, a son of the community, allegedly carried out by Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei.
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Speaking to journalists, the monarch described the incident as “gruesome, unacceptable, and highly disrespectful to the peace, unity, and collective dignity of the Amassoma people.” He stressed that the killing runs contrary to the values, culture, and long-standing hospitality for which the community is known.
“This act is completely against who we are as a people,” HRH Akedesuo said. “Amassoma has always been a peaceful and accommodating community. The brutal killing of our son is an affront to our culture and a direct attack on our collective dignity.”
The monarch disclosed that the suspect, Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, is a graduate of the Niger Delta University who lived peacefully in Amassoma throughout his undergraduate studies and later returned to pursue a Master’s degree in Religious Studies at the same institution.
“For several years, this individual lived among us without experiencing any form of hostility,” he stated. “He enjoyed the warmth, accommodation, and goodwill of the Amassoma people. To now repay that kindness with violence by beating a young and promising Amassoma youth to death is painful, shocking, and unforgivable.”
Lamenting what he described as recurring incidents of loss of innocent lives in the community, HRH Akedesuo said Amassoma had shown tolerance and openness to strangers over the years, but that patience was being stretched beyond its limits.
“Time and again, people from other communities have taken the lives of our sons and daughters over minor and avoidable disputes,” he said. “This injustice will no longer be tolerated. Amassoma has resolved to pursue this matter legally and relentlessly until justice is fully served.”
The monarch therefore called on the communities of Koluama 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Agoro in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State—where the suspect is said to originate—to produce and hand him over to the authorities.
“We are calling on these communities to do the right thing and hand over Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei to face the law,” he warned. “Failure to do so will leave us with no option than to take further lawful actions to protect our people and uphold justice.”
He further declared the suspect an enemy of the Amassoma Community, warning that any Amassoma indigene found associating with him in criminal, cultic, or idol-related activities must immediately disengage.
“Anyone from Amassoma who continues to associate with this individual in any criminal or cult-related manner will also be declared an enemy of the community,” he said.
HRH Akedesuo also emphasized that anyone found to have participated in the alleged crime, regardless of status or affiliation, would be made to face the law.
“We have clear and credible evidence,” he said. “No one involved in this heinous act will be shielded, whether an indigene of Amassoma or not.”
Confirming legal actions already taken, the monarch revealed that a formal petition has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police through the community’s legal representatives.
“Following our petition, Bodmas Kemepadei and members of his gang have been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force,” he disclosed, adding that the community would stand firmly with the family of the deceased “until justice is pursued to its logical conclusion.”
In response to ongoing developments, the monarch appealed to the Amassoma Youth Development Association (AYODA) Worldwide and its Yenagoa Chapter to suspend a protest earlier scheduled for Monday at the office of the Commissioner of Police.
“I want to assure our youths and the general public that the community is fully committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and justice,” he said. “All actions taken, outcomes, and official updates will be promptly communicated to the public and published online.”
The monarch concluded by appreciating individuals, groups, and organizations that have shown concern and support.
“We thank all those who have stood with us in this quest for justice,” he said. “I urge everyone to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding as we collectively ensure that justice prevails.”
