Press Release
IYC CONDEMNS GRUESOME KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN OKUOMA, WANTS CULPRITS BROUGHT TO BOOK.
BEING TEXT OF A PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE IJAW YOUTH CONGRESS OVER GRUESOME KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN OKUOMA.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide criticise and condemn in strong terms the brutal killing of Soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma, an Urhobo community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday 14th of March 2024.
It is very unfortunate that people will dare to have the impetus and temerity to invade and attack soldiers on a peace mission to resolve the lingering communal battle between the people of Okuama in Ughelli South and their brothers from Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. To us, this is not only barbaric but also unacceptable.
The IYC Worldwide is well aware of the indispensable role played by the Military and other security agencies in the country, that the country is peaceful today is all thanks to them that have been fighting to ensure our peaceful coexistence as a nation.
As Council, we are calling on the military top hierarchy to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter with a view of bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. This is an evil that must not be swept under the carpet as bringing the culprits to book will serve as a deterrent to others.
However, we are using this medium to call on His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State to quickly resolve whatever differences the people of Okuama and Okoloba are having now before it degenerates to something else.
Government must not appear to be too relax in tackling communal clashes, there is nothing that is more disturbing than this news at the moment, the Government must swing into action now. We have lost too many precious lives in this battle already as we cannot afford to lost anyone going further.
The Ijaws and Urhobos are one united big family, whatever that is affecting Ijaw is also affecting Urhobo. Most Ijaw people are traceable to Urhobo likewise the Urhobos as well. We are actually fighting over nothing. Peace is indeed priceless, we must continue to learn how to tolerate ourselves and live peacefully together. What binds us together as brothers is greater than what divides us as a people.
Nevertheless, the IYC have also received a lot of distress calls from our people in various communities that the military has been burning down houses for which many innocent lives have been lost.
Council is reiterating that while we will not cover up any evil, we are calling on the military to work strictly with intelligence and not to bring down entire community under the guise of looking for criminals. The innocent must not pay for crimes they did not commit.
We are urging the military to go after those behind the act with a view of bringing them to face the law. The IYC is using this fora to sympathise with the families of our gallant 16 Soldiers that lost their lives in the deadly ambush carried out by the criminal elements. We seek justice for the slain soldiers.
Finally, we have it on credible source that as a fall out from the unfortunate ambush that led to the killing of the Soldiers, the Military had extended its unslaught to Igbumtoro in Boma Kingdom, Bayelsa State where houses have been burnt down, a lot of persons killed including elder brother to a serving Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa State is said to have been killed. The method of killing according to our sources is that the bodies of countless people have been cremated in the unslaught. The Ijaw Youth Council is tasking the military not to go out of the rules of engagement by being professional in their operations. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of all the innocent ones that have lost their lives in this unslaught.
Signed:
Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill
Spokesman Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has called on the people of the Niger Delta to reflect on the essence of Easter and show love to one another.
In his Easter message, on Sunday, Otuaro urged stakeholders of the region- men, women, youths and all ex-agitators- to imbibe the spirit of peace, unity, and sacrifice embodied by the Lord Jesus Christ.
He noted that the Easter season was a period to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as God’s precious gift of peace to the world and reconciliation to Himself.
Otuaro urged the people of the region to use the season to deeply reflect on the virtues of the Lord and walk in them to ensure peace, stability and harmony in the Niger Delta.
He stressed that Easter called for a re-commitment to the cherished values of peace, forgiveness, kindness and service.
The PAP boss expressed the unwavering commitment of his leadership to the implementation of the programme’s mandate for sustainable peace, security, stability and development of the region.
He also enjoined stakeholders of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s noble reforms aimed at achieving economic recovery and shared prosperity for all.
Otuaro added, “I will like to heartily greet all stakeholders of the Niger Delta on this joyous occasion of the commemoration of Easter. It is a time to reflect on its essence and the values of love, peace, forgiveness and sacrifice exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I urge all youths, ex-agitators, men, and women to imbibe the virtues embedded in Jesus Christ and the significance of His death and resurrection as God’s perfect gift for redemption and reconciliation of mankind.
“Let us love one another, promote unity and peace in the interest of the Niger Delta. I felicitate all stakeholders and wish you a Happy Easter celebration.”
Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma,
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
20/04/2025
Press Release
Press Release: IPF felicitates Tompolo at 54th, commends him for peace, security, development in N’Delta
12/04/2025
Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has extended warm congratulations to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.
The apex Ijaw media council said as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has made significant contributions to boost oil output and the security sector in Nigeria. The forum celebrated his achievements and impact, wishing him continued success and prosperity in the years to come.
The group said, “Under Tompolo’s leadership, Tantita Security Services has provided employment opportunities for many youths in the Niger Delta region, contributing to the reduction of youth restiveness and promoting economic growth in the country. In addition, the company has also been a key player in ensuring the safety and security of oil installations and pipelines, protecting the nation’s resources and sources of revenue”.
Furthermore, the IPF commends Tompolo for his commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta region. He has played a vital role in the amnesty program, which has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated thousands of ex-agitators into society.
They emphasised, “This has significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the region, making it conducive for business and investment.
Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts also deserve recognition as he has consistently given back to his society through various charitable initiatives. From building schools and hospitals to providing scholarships for students, he has positively impacted the lives of many people in the Niger Delta and beyond.
“As we celebrate Tompolo’s birthday, the IPF strongly urges him to continue his efforts in promoting peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region. We also appeal to the government to recognize and support the contributions of individuals like Tompolo, who have played a significant role in the development of the region.
“Finally, we join in congratulating Tompolo on this milestone and pray that he continues to be a source of inspiration to many. We wish him good health, happiness, and success in all his endeavors. Happy 54th birthday, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo!”, the statement added.
Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: You Are Exceptional Leader, Beacon Of Hope To Our People, PAP Boss Celebrates Tompolo On Birthday
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has congratulated the chairman of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birthday.
Otuaro described Tompolo as a humble, selfless and exceptional leader whose entire life had been dedicated to the defence, emancipation and the development of the Ijaw land and indeed the Niger Delta region.
He noted that as a foremost freedom fighter, Tompolo’s sacrifices and contributions to the socio-economic advancement and political growth of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region are not only monumental but tremendous and unquantifiable.
He described the Izon-Ebi Dou Keme of Ijaw nation as a philanthropist, pillar of support for community development and a beacon of hope to many youths.
He stressed that Tompolo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, unity and stability of the Niger Delta.
The PAP helmsman expressed appreciation to Tompolo for his significant contributions to national development through the efficient operations of TANTITA in safeguarding strategic crude oil pipelines, resulting in unprecedented increases in oil revenues for the shared prosperity of the country.
He further noted that Tompolo, through his security firm, has empowered over 40,000 Niger Delta youths by engaging them meaningfully, while also transforming the lives of several others with scholarships for their education and other viable ventures for a better future.
Otuaro said the TANTITA boss is also an inspiration to many with his strong and unapologetic belief in Ijaw tradition and cultural heritage, noting that it has continued to strengthen his spiritual focus and wellbeing.
He encouraged him to remain steadfast in his selfless service to Ijaw land, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole, while also upholding his convictions and philanthropic activities for the society and humanity.
Otuaro wished Tompolo well on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, and prayed to God to give him the enablement to achieve more goals and further accomplishments.
Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
12/04/2025