Stakeholders from the Niger Delta Peace Advocacy Forum (NDPAF) have implored President Bola Tinubu to instruct the military to withdraw its troops from Igbomotoru Town in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state. The troops had taken up residence in this coastal community in Bayelsa while in pursuit of those purportedly responsible for the killing of Army 17 in the Okuama community, Delta State, on March 14.
The Niger Delta Peace Advocacy Forum (NDPAF) released a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) plea in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Barnabas Pereowei, and secretary, Comrade Silas Fenesai, urgently appealing for military forces to be immediately withdrawn from Igbomotoru in Bayelsa State.
The urgent request came subsequent to a global press conference in Yenagoa, the state capital, prompted by the news of the soldiers’ departure from Okuama.
Okuama was the location of the savage ambush and killing of 17 military personnel who had been on a peace mission to the community.
The group commended the military for withdrawing from Okuama, noting that this action provided the residents with solace and a feeling of belonging, enabling them to go back to their ancestral homes.
The NDPAF stressed that the withdrawal of troops from Okuama, the primary site of the crime, should also be replicated in Igbomotoru Town in Bayelsa state, which is not adjacent to Okuama, in order to ease tension in the region.
The peace advocates observed that the people of Igbomotoru had endured a heavier burden of the unfortunate event that transpired in Okuama, with individuals living in fear due to the military incursion under the pretext of pursuing the fleeing suspects of the Okuama incident. The statement highlighted that the continuous presence and activities of the soldiers had instilled fear in the populace, as many of the youth and elderly felt insecure in the presence of the soldiers. The statement further expressed: “We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to instruct the military to withdraw its troops from Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa state. They have been stationed there for over two months, and their presence has hindered our people from engaging in their lawful activities.
“The removal of the military from the community will restore normalcy and also provide an opportunity for our children to attend school without feeling uneasy in the presence of armed soldiers.
“We also advise the military to conduct their operations professionally and with consideration for civilians in order to prevent harm to innocent citizens.
“We urge the residents of Igbomotoru to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and comply with authorities to uphold peace in the community.”
From: Nwakaji Peace Martins
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