Bayelsa community laments alleged killing by oil company’s operatives

Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Council of Bayelsa State has protested the alleged killing of indigenes by security operatives attached to Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) surveillance contractors.

This is just as the community also called on the state government to order the immediate withdrawal of soldiers allegedly stationed in a houseboat in the community.

Nigerian Agip Oil Company

A statement by the acting paramount ruler, Chief Goodluck Alagodei; Chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC), Ebipamunu Charles; it’s Vice Chairman, Goodnews Otobo; Secretary, Justice Pronto and other members of the CDC and compound chiefs, claimed no fewer than four community youths have been killed. 

They also claimed that since June 22, the community had experienced an unprovoked invasion by military men attached to Darlon, a surveillance security company contractor to NAOC.

While calling on state government and security agencies to withdraw the soldiers, the community expressed fear there would be more killings, maiming, rape of indigenes, burning of houses and destruction of properties, adding that 12 youth corps members serving in the community had left, leaving only three.

They alleged: “On June 22, 2022, there was an unprovoked invasion and attack on Igbomotoru community by armed military men allegedly attached to Darlon Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd, who came in six gunboats and another five speedboats loaded with armed boys working with Darlon Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd, allegedly led by one Guyman Alex Bekewari, shooting sporadically into the community leaving many with grievous wounds, burning down buildings, thereby causing a great pandemonium with attendant chaos and cataclysm.”

They urged the state government and security agencies to take steps to end military presence in the community.