Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described as false, reports alleging a plot to attack the military base across the Niger Delta region.
The IYC said there was no truth in the malicious fabrication circulating online alleging that the IYC under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, is planning a coordinated attack on military facilities across the Niger Delta.
The IYC rebuttal is contained in a statement issued in Yenagoa on Sunday, by its spokesman, Amb. Binebai Princewill.
According to the statement, the allegation is not only false but a lie emanating from the pit of hell, describing the falsehood as an evil taken too far by mischief makers and enemies of the region and Ijaw nation.
The statement reads: “Council would have ignored the said publication but for the times we are in, it is very key and important that we clear the air to Nigerian Military that the IYC has no issue with the military not to talk of attacking them.
“However, the Ijaw Youth Council had on March 18, 2024, condemned the dastardly attack that killed 16 military men in Delta.
“We did condemn the gruesome murder in strong terms and its entirety the killing of soldiers on a peace mission to Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on March 14, 2024, hence we are wondering where this misleading information is coming from.
“The IYC press statement condemning the killing of Soldiers was widely publicised by almost all national dailies and credible online news outlets across the country.
“Stating the position of the Ijaw Youth Council on the matter. Council also urged the military to go after only criminal elements and not let innocent people pay for a sin they did not commit,” the statement reads.
The youths said that their position was further amplified by the President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who spoke in a live interview on Arise News wherein he condemned the barbaric attack on the military officers.
“The said false statement emanating from Officers and Cadets Worldwide on Facebook lite reads below: “In response to the ongoing Military operations going on in the Niger Delta, Intelligence report indicates that youths under the guise and command of Ijaw Youth Council headed by Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri.
“Are planning coordinated attacks on military locations and facilities across the Niger Delta region. We therefore call on units whose area of responsibility falls within this area specifically.
“146 Battalion, 29 Battalion, 130 Battalion and pathfinder to be vigilant and combat ready and give them (Wotowoto) to anyone or group of persons who decides to attack their locations.
“God bless Nigerian Army
God bless Nigerian Navy
God bless Nigerian Airforce
God bless Nigeria”, the statement reads,” he said.
They said: “For the sake of emphasis, the Ijaw Youth Council is warning mischief makers to keep clear from the IYC as we are tasking Nigerians to disseminate only true and credible information to the public.
“In setting the records straight, the IYC has a communication channel that is used in passing information for the Ijaw Youths across the world and to Nigerians in general.