Groups Beg Rivers, Bayelsa Govs To Rescue Kidnapped Ijaw Natives
2 min read
Edith CHUKU
National President of Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum NDNAF, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has appealed for an immediate intervention to rescue ten persons kidnapped in Isua Joinkrama 2, in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
He made this appeal to the governors, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Sen. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. Also, to the leadership of Ijaw National Congress INC, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, Ijaw Youth Council IYC Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr and security agencies.
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Ikuli, who is also the Executive Director, Centre for Peace Advocacy and Social Rehabilitation CPASR, stated this in a save our soul message made available to TNN, titled: “Appeal for timely intervention to rescue ten persons that were kidnapped in Isua Joinkrama 2 in Ahoada West Local Government.”
According to him, “I write to humbly and passionately appeal to your excellencies and all relevant security agencies to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of ten(10) Engenni-Ijaw people, mostly women and children who were kidnapped from their farms few days ago in this very month of August, 2023 and they have not been released till this very moment because of the inability of their poor families to raise the ten million (#10,000,000.00) naira that the kidnappers who are suspected to come from neighbouring tribe.”
Ikuli lamented that, “over the years, countless Engenni people have been kidnapped, raped, maimed and even murdered by suspected youths from neighbouring Oshiobele Community who have camps where they kidnap and keep their victims.
“Engenni people like their other Ijaw kinsmen are aborigines and indigenous people who have occupied the present Niger Delta region for centuries and decades and they have never been conquered.”
He continued that, “as a people who are part of the larger Ijaw Nation, they have been very peaceful and hospitality people. Unfortunately, their aggressors are taking their hospitality and peaceful disposition for stupidity and weakness.
“How can one imagine the kidnap of women and children who went to farm to look for food for survival under the prevalent economic hardship and pains that people are going through.”
“I wish to join other well-meaning people to call on Your Excellencies and all relevant security agencies to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of those innocent victims. Thanks in anticipation of a quick response. Yours in the quest for a more safe, secured and prosperous Niger Delta region.”
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