Youths of the Opu-Nembe Community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are reported to have driven into exile about 28 elders and chiefs after they attended the birthday party of former minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
This was disclosed by the spokesman for the affected chiefs and elders, Chief Monday Degi, during a press conference in Yenagoa on Thursday, July 13.
Chief Degi stated that the chiefs are appealing for the permanent occupation of military personnel in good numbers to forestall further unleashing of mayhem, as the youths have destroyed over twenty (20) houses and properties worth hundreds of millions belonging to them.
Degi added that the youth president, Ayerite Ebinimi Moses, who has been having clashes with one Mr Kojo Sam, a close ally of Chief Sylva, over personal economic and financial dealings, is in the habit of sending armed youths to destroy and loot houses and personal properties of persons perceived to be close to his enemies.
He claimed that “Rather than dealing with so-called invaders, which they claimed they know, the Ayerite Ebinimi Moses-led youth leadership, hiding under the guise of these invasions, has been wrecking havoc on the Opu-Nembe Bassambiri Community.
“Mr. Ayerite Ebinimi Moses has promoted cultism, gangsterism and other social vices under these pretences.”
Degi added:
“Since the inception of the Ayerite Ebinimi Moses youths leadership, the community is witnessing sporadic violence and endless social unrest, which has become phenomenal.
“Over twenty (20) houses and properties worth hundreds of millions have been vandalized in the community without provocation.”
