A comprehensive investigation by Vanguard has revealed that the failure of government and security agencies to take decisive action on multiple petitions against an alleged militant leader and oil thief in Bayelsa State may have contributed to the tragic killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama in Delta State on March 14.
Despite being trailed by the Nigerian Army to Igbomotoru in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, just 72 hours after the Okuama massacre, the militant leader remained elusive, underscoring the lack of concerted efforts to rein in his activities prior to the incident.
The audacity displayed by the militant leader, resulting in the loss of a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers, underscores the urgent need for proactive measures by authorities to prevent such tragedies.
In response to a viral video implicating a militant leader in the Okuama attack, Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, urged state governments and host communities to assist in identifying and apprehending those responsible for such heinous acts.
However, conflicting accounts suggest that the militant leader implicated in the video may not be the same individual sought by the Army for the massacre, emphasizing the importance of corroborating evidence in ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, a militant group known as Amagbein Force, believed to be behind the Okuama killings, has demanded control over waterways security from the federal government, aligning with preliminary findings implicating the group in the attack.
The ousted monarch of Igbomotoru communities, HRH Ayibaikie Aseimighen Ofongo, who had previously petitioned various authorities about the activities of the militant gang, lamented the lack of intervention despite repeated warnings. His community had been embroiled in internal strife instigated by the militant group, resulting in his forced exile and ongoing violence in the region.
Despite efforts to engage government and security agencies, including a formal complaint to the Bayelsa State Governor, the escalating violence perpetrated by non-state actors underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to restore peace and security to affected communities.
As the search for justice continues, it is imperative for authorities to collaborate with local leaders and communities to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further bloodshed in the region.
The aftermath of the militant leader’s reign of terror has left youths from affected communities seeking refuge in neighboring areas, including Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Despite numerous petitions against the militant leader, alleging involvement in various criminal activities such as crude oil theft and intimidation, his continued impunity has instilled fear and uncertainty among locals.
Reports indicate that the militant leader has amassed considerable power and influence, brazenly recruiting unemployed youths and terrorizing communities across Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. His control over the lucrative oil bunkering trade along the Tebidaba/Igbomotoru/Brass Pipeline has further bolstered his authority, with others driven out of the area due to heightened surveillance.
The plight of the ousted monarch, forced to take an oath of allegiance under duress, underscores the pervasive atmosphere of fear and coercion perpetuated by the militant leader and his cohorts. Despite appeals for intervention from Bayelsa State government and security agencies, the monarch’s pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears, leaving residents vulnerable to further violence and exploitation.
Efforts to seek redress through official channels have been met with limited success, with government officials seemingly oblivious to the escalating crisis in affected communities. The recent verbal sparring between political figures over the Okuama killings only serves to divert attention from the urgent need for decisive action to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Questions linger over how the armed militant leader has managed to evade military checkpoints and maintain his stronghold in the face of extensive security measures. The tragic cycle of violence and displacement perpetuated by his actions underscores the broader challenges facing marginalized communities in the Niger Delta region, where criminal elements exploit social and economic vulnerabilities for personal gain.
As the plight of affected communities continues to worsen, urgent steps must be taken to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace and security to the region. Failure to address the root causes of insecurity risks further destabilizing an already fragile environment and undermining efforts to promote sustainable development and prosperity for all residents.
The militant leader, who has been previously linked to the abduction of a commissioner in Bayelsa State, allegedly refused to allow the establishment of a bunkering camp in his community, showcasing his influence in the region. Despite being declared wanted by the Joint Task Force (JTF) for involvement in bunkering activities, he vehemently denies these allegations, portraying himself as a philanthropic and law-abiding citizen.
His purported involvement in illegal activities contrasts sharply with reports of his charitable endeavors, including organizing football competitions, distributing food items, and supporting education initiatives in the community. These acts of generosity may have garnered him support from locals and even some elements within the security apparatus, who allegedly aid in his evasion from authorities.
However, recent events have brought heightened military presence and scrutiny to neighboring communities, with soldiers conducting extensive searches for stolen weapons and suspects linked to the Okuama incident. The resulting tensions and disruptions in daily life have left residents fearful and apprehensive, particularly in areas like Okwagbe, where military checkpoints have become more prevalent.
Alhaji Asari Dokubo, while denouncing collective punishment on the Okuama community, calls for a thorough investigation into the killings of the military personnel. He emphasizes the need for accountability while pleading with President Bola Tinubu to ensure a proper inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, the 17 soldiers killed in the Okuama attack are set to be buried today in Abuja, with President Tinubu slated to attend the ceremony as the special guest of honor. This somber event underscores the tragic toll of violence in the region and the imperative for swift and decisive action to restore peace and security.
