The Bayelsa State Government has expressed joy over the safe return of about 300 indigenes of Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

They were forced to relocate from the area in the heat of the crisis during the December 5, 2015 general elections.

The over 300 indigenes made up of men, women and children fled from the community following wide spread violence that erupted there.

The crisis in Peremabiri community broke out as a result of the 2015 governorship election and the then paramount ruler, Progress Never-Die was also a victim as he was shot by hoodlums hired by some desperate politicians.

But luck came his way as he was flown abroad by the state government ‎for adequate medical attention.

The returnees, who were camped by the state government since 2015 with the best treatment meted to them, returned to their community on Saturday amidst fanfare as they rejoiced and danced applauding the government for all it did for them.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said that their safe return signalled the dawn of peace to the once troubled community.

He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Seriake Dickson for providing a safe place in Yenagoa for the displaced persons and picking up all their bills for almost two years, saying the Governor demonstrated the commitment of a leader who is passionate about the welfare of his people.

The Commissioner also thanked security agencies for restoring the peace of the community and charged them to maintain it while also calling on leaders and members of Peremabiri to work towards building a strong bond of unity, tolerance and love.

Iworiso-Markson urged them not to allow their community to go through such a dark moment again because of the interest of few ‎persons, and stressed that now was the time to move forward and support the efforts of the government.

He further said: “Now that the once displaced persons have safely returned to their community and are integrated, it is time for members of the community to work towards maintaining peace and stability. For us as a government we have done our part and we will continue to do the needful.

“We thank His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson for his support to the people and also security agents for the role they played leading to the return of the people. This government is all about peace, security and the welfare of our people.”

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