The Niger Delta Peace Advocacy Forum (NDPAF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw military troops from Igbomotoru Town in the Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa State. These troops have occupied the coastal community while searching for suspects linked to the murder of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State, on March 14. The plea, made in a statement signed by NDPAF coordinator Comrade Barnabas Pereowei and Secretary Comrade Silas Fenesai, followed a world press conference in Yenagoa.
The NDPAF commended the military for their recent withdrawal from Okuama, where the ambush and murder of the military personnel occurred. This withdrawal has provided the residents with reassurance, allowing them to return to their homes. However, the group emphasized that similar action should be taken in Igbomotoru, which does not share a boundary with Okuama, to ease the ongoing tension and fear among the residents.
According to the peace advocates, the people of Igbomotoru have suffered significantly due to the military presence, with many residents feeling unsafe. The NDPAF highlighted that the continued military operations have caused fear among the youth and elderly, disrupting their daily lives and business activities. They stressed that the troops' presence has prevented normalcy and peace in the community.
The NDPAF's statement appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to order the military to withdraw from Igbomotoru. They emphasized that the community has endured over two months of military occupation, which has hindered their ability to live and work freely. The forum also advised the military to conduct future operations with professionalism and sensitivity to avoid harming innocent citizens. They encouraged the people of Igbomotoru to remain peaceful and law-abiding to maintain community stability.
