There is rising tension in Toru-Angiama in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State following last Monday alleged killing of a Father and His son by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
It was gathered that the Father, Dennis Egbejule and his son were shot dead in his farm while trying to rescue his son, identified as Abednigo Egbejule who was abducted by the suspected herdsmen for ransom.
According to sources from the Community, the suspected Fulani herdsmen, who were allowed to graze inside the forest and farms in the community, had held unto the son captive while asking his friend get them food items from the community.
Instead of going to get the suspected Fulani herdsmen food items as ordered, the friend went to the deceased father to report. An angered father entered the bush to rescue his son from his purported abductors but was allegedly shot dead. His son was also killed minutes after.
Confirming the incident on Friday during a on-the -spot visit to the community, the leadership of the Ijaw Youths Council led by the Secretary, Comrade Frank Kubor, the National Spokesman, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, National Treasurer, Timilaemi Ebifoubo, Speaker of the Ijaw Youth Council Mobile Parliament, Rt Hon Bob Corlins, Western Zone Chairman of the IYC, Dr. Doubra Okotete prevailed on the angry Toru-Angiama youths to stay calm and allow the Federal and State Government to intervene.
The National Spokesman of the IYC, who spoke on behalf of the Council, expressed concern over the continued silence of the security agencies, the Federal and State government over the incident, “sadly, it is a shame that the State and the Federal Government are yet to condemn the dastardly act ”
“This is not the first time and this is one too many where the Fulani herdsmen will enter into a community and kill their host. Ijaw nation can not be conquered. We are peace loving as we accommodate individuals and groups but not to the detriment of our people.”
“You can not come to our land and kill our people and you expect us to keep quiet. While we are calling on our people to remain calm and peaceful, we will engage stakeholders on the appropriate action to take. We will remain vigilant and not allow a repeat. It is sad and unfortunate.”
“It appears that there are external forces emboldening the Fulani herdsmen to kill our people. With impunity. We will not condone it anymore. We are giving the State, Federal Government and security agencies to call the Fulani herdsmen to order. Nobody should test the resolve of the Ijaw Nation. Today, the peace and security the Federal Government is enjoying is because the Ijaw nation has resolved not to carry arms and ammunition but we are been provoked to carry appropriate action.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of the Angiama Community, Professor Ganagana Wenikade told newsmen that the Federal and State Government should respond quickly to the noticeable insecurity in the area to avoid total breakdown of law and order,” the State Government directed that we maintain peace and not allow any reprisal attack. That is what we are doing. But they should come quickly to intervene.”
