Following the recent tragic incident involving the loss of military personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has leveled allegations against the military for purportedly raiding Igbomotoru 2 in Bomo-Ibe Clan, Bayelsa State, on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, resulting in the loss of 40 lives.
While unequivocally denouncing the attack on military personnel, the council underscored that Okuama is not situated within Bayelsa State.
Dr. Alaye Theophilus, President of IYC, conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday, that the unfortunate incident involving the military personnel occurred outside Ijaw territory and is unrelated to the Ijaw nation.
Furthermore, the council announced the establishment of an investigative team to ascertain facts surrounding the incident, expressing readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in uncovering the truth and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The council appealed for caution, urging that the entire community not be penalized for the actions of a few individuals while efforts are made to apprehend the culprits.
It said: “We as a council condemn in its totality the killing of military personnel on official peacekeeping assignment at Okuama Community in Delta State.
“This incident is devilish and inhuman and therefore, no sane minded person can support such an act in any guise.”
The council, representing the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, expressed its apprehension regarding the stability and conducive business atmosphere in the oil-rich area. Emphasizing that any developments within the region are of significant importance to them, the council highlighted their collective concern.
They noted a recurring pattern where actions of individuals against military personnel in the region often result in reprisals targeting the entire community. As a community, they have observed this trend over time.
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The council further noted that: “As we speak, the fears of our people have shown up again as the said Okuama Community has been completely burnt down and all the occupants made homeless, and are now refugees in neighbouring communities.
“We will also draw your attention to the onslaught going on in one of our Ijaw communities in Bayelsa State, Igbomotoru 2 in Bomo-Ibe Clan where the Nigeria military evaded the community at early hours of Sunday 17th March, 2024.
“They opened fire on innocent men, women and children. They killed over 40 people and still counting, without any form of provocation.
“As a council, we condemn what the military is doing in Igbomotoru 2 community.
“What is happening in this community is purely a humanitarian crisis. As we speak, they have held every member of the community hostage as there is no entry or exit to the community. People are now starving to death.”
The council urged Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff to bring the military under control.
