Bayelsa indigenes flee homes over fear of ‘military invasion’
Bayelsa State have reportedly fled their homes for fear of military
invasion.
This followed the recent attack on Tunu flow-station and the killing
of three soldiers in a shoot out with militants.
The indigenes have sought refuge in forests and neighbouring
communities, while schools and other economic activities have been
shut down.
In reaction, the community has appealed to the Nigerian Army not to
attack innocent citizens.
Paramount Ruler of Bilabiri 1 Community, His Royal Highness, Miebiotu
Otidi and the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC),
Mr. Timipamine Otiti, appealed to men of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)
to tread with caution.
A statement he signed on Tuesday, disclosed that the military
authorities had asked the community to fish out the hoodlums or risk
action.
But the monarch, while lamenting the death of the soldiers, explained
that people of the community do not know the identity of the
militants.
The statement read in part: "They (military) said some of the
perpetrators are from Bilabiri 1 community but we do not know them as
they do not reside in our community because of their criminal
activities.
"We are appealing to the military authorities not to invade our
community for the sake of innocent people, particularly our women and
children.
"As a community, we will co-operate with security agencies and offer
useful information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of
those behind the dastardly act if they are identified in the
community."
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