Ijaw Elders seek justice for slain military men, safety of innocent residents in N/Delta

The Ijaw Elders Forum- Lagos (IEF) on Saturday expressed concerns on recent developments around the killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama in Delta and ongoing military crackdown in search of the masterminds.

The IEF in a statement noted that the attack on the military was unacceptable and demanded the isolation and apprehension of the culprits to face the law.

The IEF made its position known in a statement by Chief Bukazi Etete and Mr Efiye Bribena Chairman and Secretary of IEF respectively. 

“We condemn in very strong terms the killing of military personnels in Okuama community and call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned to investigate and bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice. This should be done with respect to relevant laws, swiftly and equitably.

“IEF observes with dismay the invasion and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Okuama, Delta and Igbomatoru, Bayelsa by the military. We call on the authorities to thoroughly 

investigate the matter and bring to justice all those responsible for the killings and destruction of  properties in both communities. 

“The military has a constitutional role in protecting citizens and so must respect the rules of engagement when dealing with civilians. It is therefore considered  unbecoming for our respected military to be associated with acts of genocide especially within our  communities and country,” the IEF statement read in part.

The elders the military authorities to thoroughly investigate the immediate and remote causes of the death of 

the military personnel at Okuama and other communities including collateral damages that followed the unfortunate incident. 

IEF regretted that communities and individuals in settling 

personal, inter and intra community disputes with the use of force and callef on leaders and well-meaning individuals of every community in the region to explore means of settling disputes without recourse to the use of violence. 

“We call on all parties to avoid statements and actions that can further inflame the situation. Caution and discretion should be exercised by all parties making statements and reporting on these 

incidents. Speculative reports should be avoided at this time as it may compromise the  integrity and quality of the investigation,” IEF stated.

The IEF also frowned at the invasion of the country home of the respected national leader of the Ijaw nation and the South-South region, Chief EK Clark by the military. 

“We find the invasion of the country home of the 97 years old leader unacceptable and request an 

explanation or an unreserved apology from the military authorities to the revered leader and to the Ijaw Nation. 

“We call on the authorities to adequately compensate all individuals, military and civilians,  families and communities who have been impacted by these evil activities of non state actors and the military,” the Ijaw Elders demanded.