Emotions ran high as the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, made a visit to the troubled Igbomotoru communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His visit aimed to express sympathy to the people and assess the extent of damage in the area.
Reports had earlier highlighted the invasion of Igbomotoru 1 & 2 communities by the military in search of the culprits behind the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Allegedly, Nigerian Army troops resorted to raiding the community, resulting in the destruction of homes and the alleged loss of innocent lives.
Following the retaliatory attack by the Military, the community has been grappling with fear, starvation, and suffering as their daily activities were disrupted due to the heavy military presence.
Questions have been raised by sympathizers regarding the military’s choice to target this specific community, considering the incident occurred in Delta State.
Igbomotoru community is known to be the hometown of Endurance Amagbein, who was recently listed as wanted by the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Abuja, for his alleged involvement in the killing of soldiers and military personnel.
In response to the community’s plight, Governor Diri paid a visit to Igbomotoru, encouraging residents to return home by assuring them of their safety, as per the Nigerian Army’s commitment.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Commander of the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade, Oluremi Obolo, Diri assessed the situation on the ground in the two communities.
He mentioned, “Soldiers have been stationed in the communities to apprehend those responsible for the March 14 massacre of 17 soldiers at Okuama in Delta State.”
Addressing the community leaders and youth, Diri reiterated his condemnation of the soldier killings and urged the residents, particularly the youth, to resist being manipulated into criminal activities.
Expressing his confusion over the connection between the incident in Delta and its repercussions in Igbomotoru, Diri emphasized the need for a shift from violence to intellectual engagement within the community.
He emphasized the importance of youth engagement in educational and empowerment initiatives, urging them to abandon violence and embrace skill development opportunities.
Diri also called for a thorough investigation into the Okuama killings to ensure that justice is served and to prevent innocent individuals from being targeted due to the actions of a few individuals.
He concluded with a plea for peace and unity, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in dealing with the root causes of the violence experienced in the region.