Soldiers killed innocent Okuama residents over murder of their colleagues: Ijaw leader
An Ijaw leader has urged the military to protect innocent residents as they search for masterminds of the attack that killed 16 soldiers in Okuama in Delta.
Ayebatari Easterday of Igbomotoru in Southern Ijaw LGA expressed his concern in an interview in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
He spoke against the backdrop of the ongoing military crackdown on speculated hideouts of the suspects who perpetrated the crime in Delta, now alleged to have fled to Bayelsa.
Mr Easterday, a former councillor representing the community in the LGA, called on security agents to conduct in-depth investigations before taking actions that could affect innocent lives.
He alleged that some people had been killed in the community by aggrieved soldiers in search of the militants who allegedly spearheaded the death of the 16 soldiers.
According to him, economic activities in Igbomotoru, a coastline community along the bank of the River Nun, have reduced due to the activities of the military.
Some of the youths in the society, he said, had fled to neighbouring communities.
Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives, Henry Daniel-Ofongo, and a member representing Igbomotoru in the Southern Ijaw LGA Caretaker Committee, Solomon Suobo, unanimously called for caution.
They urged the military to abide by the rule of engagement guiding their operations.
The soldiers, they said, should conduct themselves in a manner that would not make the innocent continue to bear the brunt of evil acts committed by others.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
PDP directs state chairs to submit reports on anti-party activities during 2023 polls
Mr Bature directed the state chairmen to write their reports so that the PDP leadership could take appropriate action.
States
Fire razes sheds, eight cars in Kano Municipal
He said eight sheds with carpentry equipment and eight cars were razed by the fire, while one shade and one car were slightly burnt.
World
Hamas leader must be captured dead or alive, Israeli president declares
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has vowed that Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar will be captured dead or alive.
Economy
Ghana seeks to speed up debt restructuring negotiations
In January, the government reached a deal in principle to restructure $5.4 billion of loans with official creditors.
Rights
Poverty Eradication: ActionAid canvasses comprehensive social protection programme
Andrew Mamedu, ActionAid Nigeria’s country director, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
Politics
Imo assembly hails Uzodimma for securing $1.5 billion investment
Lawmakers have praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for securing $1.5 billion in investments for Imo.