The people of Igbomotoru Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have taken the decision to suspend the council of chiefs in Igbomotoru 1 Community due to their suspected involvement in the activities of a notorious militant.

This militant was responsible for orchestrating the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State and forcing the paramount ruler to go into self-exile from 2020 to the present.

According to a statement by the paramount ruler of Igbomotoru, HRH Aseimighen Ofongo, this decision was made during an enlarged meeting of stakeholders of the community.

The meeting occurred shortly after a visit from the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, top government functionaries, and Commander of the Nigerian Army, 16 Brigade, Oluremi Obolo, to the community.

It was learnt that the governor of the state, Senator Diri, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment on the recent operation of the Nigerian Army who were in search of a suspect involved in the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community, Delta State.

In the statement, Ofongo, said that the community appreciates the governor, Senator Diri, for providing relief materials, including cash, 150 bags of rice and 40 bags of Garri as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people while the military operation in the community lasted.

The monarch also expressed appreciation to the Commander of the Nigerian Army for the manner in which he instructed his personnel to carry out their operations peacefully and in accordance with the law while continuing to search for the masterminds of the killing of military personnel in Okuama.

As a result, the community has elected a five-man caretaker committee tasked with piloting the affairs of the community. Their mandate includes uniting the sons and daughters of the community to bring lasting peace before conducting an election for new leadership as soon as possible.

According to the minute of the meeting which held on the 16th April, 2024, those elected to pilot the affairs of the community are (1) Goodnews Manash, Chairman (2) Godknows Adolphus Major Secratary, (3) Eniekenimi Macaulay Vice Chairman, (4) Inimotimi Alfred, Woman Leader and (5) Wolo David, PRO

The statement further advised sons and daughters of Igbomotoru community to return home and go about their lawful business, as the military is not out to maim and kill innocent people but to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act which led to the killing of military men in Okuama, Delta State. (Nigerian Tribune)

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