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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has strongly condemned a shoot-out between warring parties from Bilabiri and Amatu communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Information Officer of IYC Central Zone, Comrade Francis Boro, said the council’s leadership, under its Chairman, Dr Enebraye Patrick Orusengha, had appealed to youths of the two communities to shun violence, stressing that no disagreement was worth the lives of Ijaw sons and daughters.
The council expressed deep concern over the tension that reportedly led to sporadic shootings and other acts of violence involving members of both communities, urging the youths to remain calm and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation.
It also called on the parties to exercise restraint and embrace reconciliation in the collective interest of the communities.
The council reminded the people of Bilabiri and Amatu that the history of the Ijaw nation offered painful lessons on the consequences of internal conflicts.
“No Ijaw person should lose his or her life merely to demonstrate strength, superiority or control. True strength is reflected in restraint, wisdom and the ability to settle disagreements without violence,” Boro stated.
He added that Bilabiri and Amatu shared longstanding historical and social ties that should not be destroyed by their present differences.
“Whatever the issues in contention may be, they should be addressed through constructive engagement, mutual understanding and lawful means,” he said.
The IYC Central Zone particularly commended the Executive Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac, for his timely intervention and efforts to bring the parties together.
The council also called on all stakeholders to support genuine efforts aimed at easing tension and restoring normalcy.
It urged the people of the two communities to learn from the past and refuse to allow violence to destroy their bonds of common ancestry, shared relationships and collective destiny.
The statement further called on traditional rulers, elders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to provide the necessary leadership towards restoring harmony.
“Everyone concerned should refrain from inflammatory statements, threats, retaliation or any conduct capable of prolonging the crisis.
“The IYC Central Zone remains committed to the promotion of unity, stability and the collective interests of the Ijaw people and calls on the people of Bilabiri and Amatu to reject violence and work together towards a lasting resolution,” the statement added.
