Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged residents of Igbomotoru 1 and 2 communities to return home. The governor’s call comes with the assurance of safety following the invasion of the community by the Army following the killing in Okuama community in Delta State. The Explainer learnt that following the incident, residents in the Bayelsa community fled to escape reprisal attacks as the Army intensified its search for the perpetrators.Â
The governor’s appeal was made during his visit to the two communities on Tuesday. Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 16 Brigade, Oluremi Obolo, the governor assessed the situation in the area.
The communities had seen the deployment of soldiers in the wake of the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers at Okuama in Delta State.
Addressing the paramount ruler, chiefs, elders, and youths of both communities, Senator Diri condemned the killing of the soldiers. He urged the people, particularly the youths, not to allow themselves to be used as agents of criminality and destabilisation.
Governor Diri questioned why the impact of an incident that occurred in Delta should be felt in Igbomotoru. He warned youths against forcefully taking over leadership of their communities, emphasizing that the era of militancy was over and it was time for intellectual engagement to move the Ijaw nation forward.
The governor also warned traditional rulers and other community leaders to reside in their domains, stressing that any monarch not found in his base stands the risk of being dethroned.
Governor Diri commended the Nigerian Army for their professionalism in handling the incident at Igbomotoru. He expressed gratitude to the military for their support and cooperation.
He said: “I like to appreciate the military high command for cooperating with us. I came here to tell the people of Igbomotoru not to allow such thing to happen again. Enough is enough. The era of militancy is over. It is time for intellectual engagement. Our youths should not be seen and used as cannon fodders.”
He further stated, “This is a warning to all those who offer themselves for nefarious activities to have a rethink. The Prosperity Government has established technical colleges and initiated empowerment programmes for youths to key into to develop themselves.”
Governor Diri also announced the provision of relief materials, including cash, 150 bags of rice, and 40 bags of garri to be distributed to the people of both communities. A minute silence was observed in honour of the slain soldiers and about 20 youths reportedly killed in Igbomotoru 2 community.
