Angry Youths Protest ‘Mindless Killings’ In Bayelsa State

Protesters under the aegis of Youths for Safer Environment (YSE), a group under the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has condemned killings in Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw, by agents of a security firm operating in the state.

They are is alleging that over six persons were killed by officials of the firm who had fired live bullets at innocent and ‘defenseless citizens’.

The groups’ president, Fred Ilorifa, said: “The era of mindless killings of our youths is over as we shall no longer accept or condone prejudicial killings under any guise. The group is determined to ensure that those behind the killings are brought to book and will not be allowed to hold any leadership position, at any level, in any community in Bayelsa State.”

A victim’s father Emiye Igbe, of Umbugbene, accused the suspects of allegedly attacking the youth on suspicion that some persons vandalised pipelines belonging to an oil firm.

He lamented that the operatives invaded his community on September 5, 2018, shooting sporadically. A stray bullet hit his son, Bubeinimibofa (25), a father of three, he added.

The father is asking for a N50 million compensation to enable him take care of the deceased’s children.

Eric Ayawei is also protesting the murder of his brother, Erelayefa Ayawei. He said his brother was shot in the rib.

The youth demanded a N40 million compensation to facilitate the setting up of a foundation in their memory, and the prosecution of those involved.