One Killed, Settlement Burnt As Residents, Farmers Clash In Bayelsa

Tensions flared in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as clashes between the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities and Anam farmers resulted in one reported death and the destruction of a farm settlement.

The conflict began on October 6, following the alleged murder of Mr. Apah Abel from Bumoundi, who was accused of stealing at the Anam farm settlement.

In retaliation, indigenes of Akaibiri and Bumoundi reportedly launched a reprisal attack, setting the farm settlement ablaze.

The Anam farmers, who hail from Anambra State, have been operating commercial farm settlements across Bayelsa State, cultivating crops for sale. The escalating violence has raised concerns among local authorities.

The Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed that two individuals are currently in custody in connection with Abel’s murder.

Police have issued a warning to both the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities, as well as the Anam farmers, against taking the law into their own hands.

During a meeting with stakeholders, including the state deputy governor and representatives from the affected communities and farmers, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Idu, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Elaigwu, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the incident.

In light of the unrest, the state government has urged non-indigenes to respect the laws and customs of their host communities to maintain peace and order.

Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the importance of non-indigenes understanding local laws and traditions to foster harmonious coexistence.

Ewhrudjakpo further stressed that henceforth, visitors must be formally introduced to community leadership by their landlords to improve identification and arrest of criminals.

He also advised community leaders to remain vigilant and active in their responsibilities to ensure ongoing peace and stability within the state.

He said, “I want to appeal that all our communities in Ekpetiama should maintain the peace. CP should also liaise with other security agencies and maintain some security presence in the area until this matter is properly laid to rest.

“We encourage all our communities to have vigilantes so that this idea of self-help will be minimised. Because if the vigilantes were doing their job, this would not happen. And to the Anam people, you don’t have the right to kill a thief. You only have the right to catch a thief and hand the person over to law enforcement agents.

“If they are stealing your property, don’t resort to self help, report to the police and your host communities. You need to communicate this to all your people wherever they are in Ijawland.”

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Clan, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), thanked the state government for quickly intervening in the matter to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

King Dakolo, while urging the police to ensure that those behind the killing of the deceased and burning of the Anam farm settlements face the full weight of the law, called on the Anam farmers to respect the existing culture and traditions, as well as recognise the hierarchy of leadership in their host communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Anam farmers, Chief Bernard Ozoekwe, expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt intervention, saying they were peace-loving people who have been farming in the state for over 20 years. He promised the farmers would be law-abiding in their respective host communities.