By Correspondent in Abuja.
Niger Delta ex-agitator, Mr. Endurance Amagbein, has called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to order a fresh investigation into the 2024 military siege on Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, where about 80 people were allegedly killed by military personnel.
Amagbein, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, urged the CDS to initiate a transparent probe in the interest of justice and to give the victims’ families a fair hearing.
The former militant leader, popularly known as Adaka Boro the Second, lamented that while the world may have moved on, families of the alleged 80 victims are still grieving and seeking closure.
He described the attack as an unwarranted and unprovoked assault on innocent citizens, mostly vibrant youths, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable so the community can find relief.
“Almost two years have passed since the invasion of Igbomotoru, yet no one has been charged to court,” he said.
Amagbein questioned the speed of the investigation that led to the March 17, 2024 invasion—just three days after the March 14 Okuama incident. He also faulted the continued military occupation of Igbomotoru, even though troops were withdrawn from Okuama nearly a year ago.
He further alleged that some surveillance contractors, in collusion with certain military figures, were peddling false allegations against him to secure surveillance contracts in 2024.
“While the tragedy has already occurred, we can only sympathize with the families and insist that justice must prevail. We call on President Bola Tinubu to act as a father to the families of the 80 persons killed during the raid,” he added.
Amagbein noted that despite mobilising supporters for the APC presidential campaign in 2023, only a few persons from their ranks have been recognised. He also called for adequate compensation for the lives lost and the destruction inflicted on the community.
He accused some surveillance contractors of using the Okuama incident as a pretext to militarise Igbomotoru, oppress residents, and pursue political and territorial influence.
Amagbein appealed to the CDS, Gen. Oluyede, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to reopen investigations into both the Igbomotoru and Okuama incidents.
He expressed confidence in the CDS’ commitment to justice and fairness and urged him to ensure the final report of the investigations is made public.
Amagbein also alleged that many innocent persons from the community remain in illegal detention facilities without trace, and that their families do not know whether they are alive or dead.
“These people are Nigerians with the right to fair hearing. We urge the CDS to act as a father to all and help reunite these citizens with their families,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
