By Friday Omosola
After receiving reports of the attacks on Ilaje people by the Ijaw in Bayelsa State, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called on the Ilaje people in Brass to be calm.
Governor Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde said he has spoken extensively on phone with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri who assured that the situation is under control.
Akeredolu stressed that his administration is committed to the protection of lives and property of indigenes of the sunshine state, irrespective of where they are, noting that the Bayelsa State Governor has assured him of the security of the people of Ilaje in Bayelsa.
“We have become aware of the situation in Bayelsa State involving our people from Ilaje in Ondo State. I immediately reached out to the Governor of Bayelsa State. We have spoken extensively and I have his assurances.
“After meetings have been held with Ilaje leaders at his behest, I have every reason to believe that he is indeed handling the situation. I have stressed the importance of the security of our people no matter where they are.
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“I want to urge our people to remain calm, forgive and forget. With the assurances of the Governor, I can assure our people that they can go about their normal duties without fear,” he said.
Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people to allow peace to reign, urging them not to take laws into their hands.
While assuring them that the situation is being closely monitored, he commiserates with the families of the victims of the incident.
Recall that the Ilaje Leadership Forum (ILF) had earlier called on the Governor to find a lasting solution to the ongoing killing of Ilaje people by Ijaws in Bayelsa state before it escalated to tribe fight.
The ILF made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Igbokoda, the headquarter of Ilaje local government.
