Following the attack on some ilaje indigenes of Ondo State in Bayelsa State, a group has warned against reprisal attacks on Ijaw ethnic group living in Ondo State.
The Ijaw National Congress made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, Ominidougha Bonsuwe Ogonobibi after a meeting in Akure on Sunday.
The INC which condemned the crime committed against the innocent fishermen stated that the call for a reprisal action against an innocent Ijaw Kingdom in Ondo State is irresponsible.
The INC, Akure Chapter called on Ilaje Elders and leaders of thought to prevail on Ilaje Leadership Forum (Citizens Security Council) to stop any attempt to vent their anger on our people(Ijaws) living in Ilajeland or passing through it.
“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 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,INC, Akure Chapter is calling on Ilaje Elders and leaders of thought to prevail on Ilaje Leadership Forum (Citizens Security Council) to stop any attempt to vent their anger on our people(Ijaws) living in Ilajeland or passing through it.
“Moreover, we also call on the Ondo State Government and the Security Agencies to investigate the said Ilaje Leadership Forum in order to assure us that it went beyond the boundaries of peace. The Ondo State Government should initiate a meeting of Ilaje/Arogbo-Ijaw Elders and leaders without further delay to discuss this issue.
“Lastly,the Congress calls on Ijaws at home and in disapora to be law-abiding and report any criminal behaviour to the law enforcement agencies and State Government,” it stated.
