Aggrieved men, women, youths and children of Ayamabele and Kalaba communities of Okordia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State took to the streets last Saturday to protest the gruesome murder of their kinsman, Mr. Godgift Atama.
Atama was killed in Akumoni while returning from Agbobiri to Ayamabele from his grandmother’s wake on December 7, 2013.
The communities said the victim was killed by suspects alleged to be indigenes of Akumoni community.
For the people of Ijaw settlements, they said the peaceful protest was as a result of the failure of the relevant authorities to bring the killers to book.
They said since Atama was dispatched to his early grave by the people they claimed to know, the killers had been left off the hook.
The day they protested coincided with the day the government was planting peace trees across the communities that make up the Okordia clan.
Atama was killed in Akumoni while returning from Agbobiri to Ayamabele from his grandmother’s wake on December 7, 2013.
The communities said the victim was killed by suspects alleged to be indigenes of Akumoni community.
For the people of Ijaw settlements, they said the peaceful protest was as a result of the failure of the relevant authorities to bring the killers to book.
They said since Atama was dispatched to his early grave by the people they claimed to know, the killers had been left off the hook.
The day they protested coincided with the day the government was planting peace trees across the communities that make up the Okordia clan.
But the protesters, who were clad in black clothes and bearing placards and leaves peacefully, said there could not be peace without justice.
They added that the only panacea for a lasting peace in the area was to bring the culprits to book so that the soul of Atama could rest in perfect peace.
They, therefore, offered five-point recipe that could guarantee enduring peace in the area.
They said, “The authorities should ensure that positive advantage is taken of the writings on the wall and act proactively to avoid violent conflict in Okordia clan.
“The relevant authorities should not take actions that will lead to the erosion of public confidence in them. Hence, efforts should be made to arrest alleged culprits, promptly investigate the matter and prosecute suspects in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Government should invite the critical stakeholders in the clan/communities with a view to finding solution to the present security challenge and way forward for enduring peace.
They added that the only panacea for a lasting peace in the area was to bring the culprits to book so that the soul of Atama could rest in perfect peace.
They, therefore, offered five-point recipe that could guarantee enduring peace in the area.
They said, “The authorities should ensure that positive advantage is taken of the writings on the wall and act proactively to avoid violent conflict in Okordia clan.
“The relevant authorities should not take actions that will lead to the erosion of public confidence in them. Hence, efforts should be made to arrest alleged culprits, promptly investigate the matter and prosecute suspects in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Government should invite the critical stakeholders in the clan/communities with a view to finding solution to the present security challenge and way forward for enduring peace.
“While the benefit of the doubt is extended to the people of Akumoni community; it would only be proper that the community cooperates with the security agencies and the state government to fish out those alleged to have committed the crime of taking the life of another in the Okordia clan they all belong.
“On the part of Ayamabele and Kalaba communities, we will continue to seek peace and justice in the most peaceful and acceptable manner and resist the temptation to seek revenge through violence.
“On the part of Ayamabele and Kalaba communities, we will continue to seek peace and justice in the most peaceful and acceptable manner and resist the temptation to seek revenge through violence.
“Human rights groups and civil society organisations whose areas fall within peace building and conflict resolution should assist in ensuring that peace does not elude Okordia clan again. The media should also play the roles expected in drawing the attention of the authorities to the need for proactive actions and for justice because genuine peace is a byproduct of equal rights and justice.”
For deceased mother, Binabo, she said since her son was killed, she had been downcast.
She said, “I really don’t have much to say; I can only demand that those who killed my son should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
For deceased mother, Binabo, she said since her son was killed, she had been downcast.
She said, “I really don’t have much to say; I can only demand that those who killed my son should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
“Let them be brought to book; I demand justice. How can I live and be seeing those who murdered my son from the next village? The government should assist me get justice…”
Youths President of Kalaba, Monibo Joel, said the community was peace loving but wondered why their peaceful mien should be mistaken for cowardice.
He appealed to Governor Seriake Dickson and the Commissioner of Police in the state to step in and take the right actions on the matter.
“Atama was gruesomely murdered by people from Akumoni community. After killing him, they dragged his corpse to a remote corner of the Akumoni community. We had to invite the state’s special security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo and they came and searched out the corpse in Akumoni.
Youths President of Kalaba, Monibo Joel, said the community was peace loving but wondered why their peaceful mien should be mistaken for cowardice.
He appealed to Governor Seriake Dickson and the Commissioner of Police in the state to step in and take the right actions on the matter.
“Atama was gruesomely murdered by people from Akumoni community. After killing him, they dragged his corpse to a remote corner of the Akumoni community. We had to invite the state’s special security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo and they came and searched out the corpse in Akumoni.
Post a Comment