A group of youths from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) community in Bayelsa State have reportedly forced 28 traditional chiefs into exile after they attended the birthday celebration of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. The Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe Community, led by Chief Kienghosuote Monday-Degi, condemned the violence perpetrated against the esteemed elders by the youths.
According to Monday-Degi, the community had previously enjoyed peace and tranquility until the establishment of the current youth body in May 2020. The Ayerite Moses-led youth group, allegedly supported by Kojo Sam, became emboldened after the Nembe Chiefs Council failed to address the armed invasions that occurred in the community in July 2021 and February 2023, resulting in loss of lives.
The youth group has reportedly been engaging in acts of violence, promoting cultism, and destroying the property of perceived enemies without resistance. Monday-Degi stated that over 20 houses and properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira have been vandalized in the community without provocation.
On July 8, 2023, the president of the youth federation, Ayerite Ebinimi Moses, declared the exile of 28 chiefs from Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) for attending Timipre Sylva’s birthday party. The affected chiefs, Yousuo Theo-Iruo, Happy Ayebatonye, and Ikaonaworio Eferebo, expressed their dismay at the violent attacks and forced exile, suggesting that the incidents were politically motivated.
In response, Collins Nimibofa, the vice president of Opu-Nembe Youth Federation, accused the 28 chiefs of being involved in attacks in the area and claimed that they used the birthday party as a cover to plan their actions. He further mentioned that a member of the House of Assembly representing Nembe Constituency II had been arrested, and there were multiple petitions against them.
The concerned citizens of Opu-Nembe called upon law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and Department of State Services, to intervene and provide assistance. The situation remains tense in the community as the exiled chiefs seek a resolution to the conflicts and violence.
