Okuama: Ijaw elders demand apology from military over invasion of Clark’s home

Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF), Lagos State chapter, has called on military authorities to tender an unreserved apology for the invasion of the country home of the foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, declaring the action as unacceptable.

A statement by the forum’s Chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete and Secretary, Mr. Efiye Bribena, in Lagos, yesterday, said: “IEF observes with great trepidation the invasion of the country home of the respected national leader of the Ijaw nation and the South-South region, Chief EK Clark by the military. We find the invasion of the country home of the 97 years old leader unacceptable and request an explanation or an unreserved apology from the military authorities to the revered leader and to the Ijaw nation.”

While condemning the killing of military personnel in Okuama community, the group described wanton destruction of lives and properties in Delta State and Gbomatoru in Bayelsa State by the military as an act of genocide, insisting that the military has a constitutional role in protecting citizens and must respect the rules of engagement when dealing with civilians.

“We condemn in very strong terms the killing of military personnel in Okuama community and call on the authorities to leave no stone unturned to investigate and bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.

This should be done with respect to relevant laws, swiftly and equitably.

“We call on the authorities to adequately compensate all individuals (military and civilians), families and communities who have been impacted by these evil activities of non state actors and the military,” it stated.

The forum further cautioned the warring parties in the communal clash to eschew violence in settling disputes and called on their leaders to explore peaceful way of resolving any disagreement.