House of Representatives member, Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei has called on soldiers in search of killers of their colleagues in Okuama to exercise restraint in order not to kill and maim innocent persons in nearby Igbomutoru.
Speaking to reporters at the national Assembly complex in Abuja, he said it was unfortunate that the peace loving citizens of Igbomutoru community are at the recieving end of the unfortunate incidence in Okuoma.
Ambaiowei representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa state called on the people of Igbomotoru and his entire constituents to be vigilant and report any strange movements in their various communities to the nearest law enforcement agents.
The lawmaker condemned the gruesome and unprovoked murder of 16 officers and men of the Nigerian army consisting of a Lieutenant Colonel, two majors, a captain and twelve other men of the military by criminals in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He however said since the Nigerian Army has the capacity to gather intelligence within a short period, the execution of such intelligence reports should be done with utmost caution to minimize collateral damage to innocent and law abiding citizens.
He added: “I say this, bearing in mind the invasion and carnage that took place in Odi, November 1999 following the killing of some soldiers and policemen which remains fresh in our memories.
” Caution and professionalism must be the watch word to forestall unpleasant and regrettable consequences in the approach to bringing the culprits to book. Those who have lost bread winners in the process and children who as a result of this unfortunate incident have lost precious school time.
“Their dastardly act has created young widows and orphans whose future is now made bleak. Additionally, I implore parents not to even spare taking drastic actions against their children and wards who are getting out of control. There is a biblical saying that if you spare the rod, you spoil the child.”
Thanking the Bayelsa State Government and Delta State Government for their swift response, he called on Federal Government and International Organizations to send Palliatives to the affected Communities whose livelihood has been affected.
