IYC Decries Killings of Soldiers, Others in Rivers

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has condemned the killing of four soldiers and two drivers by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The group’s position was contained in a statement issued by its spokesman, Binebai  Princewill, and made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State, Friday.

“We also condemn in its entirety the kidnapping of two South Korean expatriates during the attack as we call on whoever that is behind the act to urgently release the foreigners,” the statement said.

The group maintained that: “This is barbaric and highly unacceptable. Such kidnapping, attack and killing are not in line with the Ijaw and Niger Delta struggles for resource control and self-determination and have nothing to do with the struggle.”

IYC therefore called on the relevant security agencies to bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous crime to serve as deterrent to others.

“However, we call on the military to display the utmost professionalism in their quest to get the perpetrators of this crime to book.

“The innocent people of Abua-Odual Local Government Area and its neighbouring local governments in Rivers and Bayelsa must not be subjected to unnecessary pain in the attempt to get the criminals,” it added.