By Friday Omosola
The Ilaje Leadership Forum (ILF) has called on the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to find a lasting solution to the ongoing killing of Ilaje people by Ijaws in Bayelsa state before it escalate to tribal fight.
The Ilaje leadership forum made this call in a statement made available to newsmen in Igbokoda, the headquarter of Ilaje local government.
The statement signed by Publicity Secretary of IFL (Citizens Security Council), Prince Emorioloye Owolemi stated that the Ijaws in the Brass area of Bayelsa State have again continued killing Ilaje people who are residing in the area for unknown causes.
According to the statement, the Ijaws were accused of hijacking fishing engines and boats belonging to the Ilaje people as well as burning those captured alive while raping and tormenting women in different areas before snatching lives out of them.
“We affirm categorically your stand in the area of security in protecting lives and properties in the state, and as well appreciate your concerns for the peaceful coexistence in Ilaje Local Government.
“We want our Governor to be aware that peace is gradually returning to Ilaje Local Government especially Igbokoda through your urgent intervention.
“Permit me as I briefly stated what would within some days bring back the previous crisis between Ilaje and Ijaw of Ese-Odo,” the statement said.
It could be recalled that on September 1998, the Ijaw tribe with the support of Ijaw in Bayelsa State allegedly invaded the Ilaje communities and slaughtered people which flamed the crisis of Ilaje and Ijaw and lasted for about three years.
Furthermore, the group affirmed not to be subjected to any tortures and man inhumanity.
“We have the confidence in your administration to communicate this to the Governor of Bayelsa State before the Ijaw accommodated in Ilaje land started undergoing the same experience which will lead to war between Ilaje and Ijaw in Ondo State,” it said.
However, the group banned intervention in the domestic affairs of Ilaje land by Chief Biribo Pere (Shoot at Sight) as well as other activities of the Ijaws in any part of Ilaje land until the Government of Ondo State addresses the Killings.
