Akure—Following the attack on some Fisherfolks of Ilaje ethnic nationality from Ondo State in Brass, Bayelsa State a fortnight ago, a group has warned against reprisal attacks on Ijaw ethnic group living in Ondo State.
According to reports by Punch newspaper, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has recently reacted to the attack on the Ilaje fishermen in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, saying he had called the Bayelsa State Governor, who promised to bring the situation under control.
The group under the auspices of the Ijaw National Congress ( INC), in a statement, on Sunday, by its chairman, Mr. Ominidougha Ogonobibi, urged Akeredolu to intervene in the ongoing attack on Ilajes in Bayelsa State before they (Ilajes) embark on reprisal attack on Ijaws in Ondo State.
The group reacted to an alleged threat by a group in Ilaje land which allegedly threatened to embark on a possible reprisal attack on the Ijaw people in the state, describing such threats as ill-advised and unnecessary.
The statement read, “The Ijaw National Congress, Akure chapter as a responsible organization, sympathizes with our Ilaje brothers and condemns the killing in its totality.
“We are also aware Bayelsa State Government is doing all within its reach to apprehend the criminals (sea pirates) and bring them to justice.
“It is, however, noteworthy that the incident is unfortunate and disgusting. The chapter wants to put it on record that, the call/ threat for a reprisal attack on Ijaws in Ondo State is unguarded, uncalled for, and unnecessary.
“Our Ilaje brothers must be reminded we have been living together as very close brothers until the unfortunate, senseless, and avoidable Ilajes/ Arogbo-Ijaws crisis of 1998/1999.
“That fight would have been avoided if caution and patience had not been thrown into the bin. Today everyone was/is a victim.”
“Therefore, the INC, Akure chapter is calling on Ilaje Elders and leaders of thought to stop any attempt to vent anger on our people (Ijaws) living in Ilajeland or passing through it.”
The group also called on the Ondo State government and the security agencies to investigate a threat by a group in Ilaje to embark on a reprisal attack.
“The Ondo State Government should initiate a meeting of Ilaje/Arogbo-Ijaw Elders and leaders without further delay to discuss this issue,” the INC urged.
