The people of Opu-Nembe in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa state have called on the government and relevant agencies to intervene after the kingdom was reportedly besieged by military forces.
In a press statement released by the Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs, the kingdom alleged that the military presence is part of a plan to target and arrest certain individuals. The chiefs also said that the military has been patrolling the kingdom in armoured vehicles and armed soldiers, which has caused distress among the people and disrupted the peace of the kingdom.
The chiefs have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Bayelsa state government, and other authorities to intervene and ensure the protection of the Opu-Nembe kingdom. They also called for an end to the “scaring situation” that the kingdom has been facing.
The statement said “The Opu-Nembe Council of Chiefs in Nembe LGA, Bayelsa state is bringing to the notice of the Federal and state government that the peaceful people of Opu-Nembe is currently facing a grave situation as military personnel have siege the kingdom, following the directives of some big Politicians in the state.
“The development comes days after we received credible intelligence report of another imminent attack on the Opu-Nembe kingdom.
“Recall that in our last press conference held on the 18th day of May, 2023, we stated all the names of sponsors and actors involved in these dastardly attacks. The immediate past Minnister of Petroleum for state was mentioned in our last press conference was also named as one of the person’s shielding the perpetrators of the dastardly act from arrest.
“The military men descended upon Opu-Nembe earlier today, creating a scene of fear, chaos and confusion as armoured vehicles and armed soldiers patrolled round the kingdom and searched houses, causing distress among the people. The invasion has disrupted the daily lives of the community’s residents, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unsafe within their own homes.
“This unwarranted military presence threatens the core values the peace loving people of Opu-Nembe. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address the concerns of our people and restore the tranquility they once enjoyed.
“Furthermore, we call upon president Bola Tinubu, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed force, Bayelsa state Government as well as other relevant authorities to intervene swiftly and ensure the protection of the Opu-Nembe kingdom from any forms of attack as it is our rights to live in peace and be secured by the security agencies.
“We the people of Opu-Nembe kingdom deserve to live without fear, with our fundamental rights protected, thus we appeal a swift end to this distressing situation and restore the harmony that the kingdom so deeply cherishes. Long live Opu-Nembe kingdom,” the statement read.
Also Read: Abuja people and Kojo Sam behind attack on Opu-Nembe — Ayerite Moses
PulseNets learned the Nigerian Army numbering over dozens stormed Opu-Nembe in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa state on Friday 23rd June, 2023.
A source told PulseNets that some people were arrested but were later released. “They arrested some youths and took them away in their vans, but this night I heard they have been released,” the source said.
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