Military invaded Bayelsa community, killed 40 people – IYC alleges

Following the recent killing of military personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has accused the military of an incursion into Igbomotoru 2 in Bomo-Ibe Clan of Bayelsa State on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 40 individuals.

While condemning the recent attack on military personnel, the council clarified that Okuama is not located within Bayelsa State.

Dr. Alaye Theophilus, the President of IYC, stated in a Wednesday issued statement that the killing of military personnel occurred outside of Ijaw territory and is unrelated to the Ijaw nation.

Furthermore, the council announced the establishment of an investigation and fact-finding team willing to collaborate with the military and other security agencies to uncover the root causes of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The council urged that while the perpetrators are being identified, the entire community should not suffer the consequences for the actions of a few individuals.

The statement emphasized the council’s unequivocal condemnation of the killing of military personnel in Okuama Community, describing the incident as heinous and unacceptable.

As the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, the council expressed its concern for the stability and business-friendly environment of the oil-rich region, emphasizing that events occurring anywhere in the region are of significant concern to them.

The council noted a troubling pattern where reprisals from the military against entire communities often follow when individuals harm military personnel in the region.

Furthermore, the council highlighted the ongoing crisis in Igbomotoru 2 community in Bayelsa State, where the military reportedly attacked residents without provocation, resulting in over 40 deaths and ongoing humanitarian suffering.

Calling for immediate action, the council urged President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene and rein in the military’s actions.