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Ijaw youths seek release of arrested ex-militants

By Chido Okafor, Warri
25 July 2017   |   4:25 am
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged the military authorities to release Mr. Bonny Gawei and other ex-militants recently arrested in Warri.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged the military authorities to release Mr. Bonny Gawei and other ex-militants recently arrested in Warri.

According the IYC President, Mr. Eric Omare, the arrest could threaten the fragile peace in the region.

He said it has also created tension in Ogulagha kingdom, which is the hometown of the arrested ex-militant leader.

He added that the town is also host to the Forcados export terminal in Burutu Local council, which the Federal Government repaired recently.

Omare explained that Gawei and other ex-militants were arrested at the Nigeria Navy base in Warri during a security meeting.

He said the arrested people were taken to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, from the meeting that was called by officials of the Delta State Waterways Security Committee.

“The Federal Government cannot achieve its desired peace in an atmosphere of suspicion and lack of trust. The people of the Niger Delta are already feeling that government is not sincerely committed to the peace process.

“The IYC concedes that security agents have the right to arrest and investigate anybody suspected of having committed any offence. ”

But, if people are arrested and kept in underground detention facilities for months, without trial, as is the case of Ezekiel Daniel, Alex Odogu and others it is unacceptable,” the statement reads.

Omare urged Acting President Yemi Osinbanjo to take proactive steps to avoid another breach of peace in the region.

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