40 killed in Bayelsa after military invasion

Following the recent tragic incident involving the loss 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 during the early hours of Sunday, March 17th, 2024, resulting in the loss of 40 lives.

While condemning the recent attack on military personnel, the council emphasized that Okuama is not a community within Bayelsa State.

Dr. Alaye Theophilus, the President of IYC, issued a statement on Wednesday, underlining that the incident involving the military personnel did not occur within Ijaw territory and is unrelated to the Ijaw nation.

The council announced the establishment of an investigation and fact-finding team, offering support to the military and other security agencies in uncovering the root cause of the incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

In its plea for the apprehension of those responsible, the council urged against the destruction of the entire community due to the actions of a few individuals.

The statement reads: “The IYC unequivocally condemns the reprehensible act against military personnel engaged in official peacekeeping duties at Okuama Community in Delta State.

“This heinous incident is utterly inhumane, and no person of sound mind can condone such brutality under any circumstances.”

As the largest ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, the IYC expressed deep concern for the stability and business environment of the oil-rich region, emphasizing that events occurring anywhere within the region are of significant importance.

The council highlighted a concerning pattern: “Historically, whenever an individual has committed an offense against military personnel in the region, the military response has often affected the entire community.”

Additionally, the council raised alarm about the devastating situation unfolding in one of its Ijaw communities in Bayelsa State, Igbomotoru 2 in Bomo-Ibe Clan, where the Nigerian military reportedly launched an assault during the early hours of Sunday, March 17th, 2024.

“They indiscriminately opened fire on innocent men, women, and children, resulting in the tragic loss of over 40 lives and counting, without any apparent provocation,” the statement continued.

The council strongly condemned the military’s actions in Igbomotoru 2 community, describing the situation as a dire humanitarian crisis. They reported that the community has been besieged, rendering residents unable to enter or leave. As a result, people are facing starvation and grave hardship.