The Bilabiri 1 community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has refuted claims made in an online publication on September 24, 2024, suggesting that the community is harboring militia youths. The community emphasized its peaceful nature and urged the public to ignore “fifth columnists” seeking cheap attention.
In response to the defamatory allegations, the community has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the authors of the publication, demanding a retraction and apology. They described the article as a deliberate attempt to tarnish their reputation.
Additionally, the community has called on security agencies to arrest those responsible for the malicious publication and reiterated the demand for a retraction and apology.
This position was articulated in a joint statement by HRH Soja Dede, Abiodun Commander (Deputy Highness), High Chief Friday Gelu, High Chief Esau Olumofa, Douglas Aaron (Youth President), Pst. Ebike Adam (Secretary), and Ebitei Lucky (Women Leader). Following the allegations, the community convened a town hall meeting involving members of all ages to discuss the issue.
The community report reads, “It is a known fact that indeed Frank B. Seide died as a result of the chairmanship dispute, however, after the said ugly event, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo, G.O.C), the custodian of Ijaw custom and tradition called and resolved the said dispute between the two families and the community at large.
“It will also interest you to know that, since after the said peace accord, the community has been peaceful with several laws put in place to guide the community and its citizens. We were in total shock when we saw a joint publication made, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Douye Diri, JTF and Nigeria Police Force with false allegations to invade our community.
“There has never been a day this person called for a meeting to brief the community of any differences between him, his sponsors and the Abaka family, hence we hereby unanimously fault this purported falsehoold as Bilabiri 1 community is enjoying peace to its fullest.
“They claimed that, members of the Bilabiri 1 community have run away from the community for their safety, this is a total falsehood from the pit of hell as all members of the community are intact, praying to God for the execution of the PIA to enable us have job opportunities.
“They further claimed under falsehood that, armed militias have taken over Bilabiri 1 community, this is a big blow and slap on our community as there is no single armed militia in our beloved community, the state Bayelsa State Government can send spy to our community for proper investigation.
“The general public should take note that, it is not true that people are selling hard drugs or addicting underage children in our community. We have a law forbidding the selling of hard drugs in our community and its punishment or fine is #50, 000( fifty thousand Naira) for anyone caught for selling or taking hard drugs talk less of addicting underage. We prohibit walking on the streets of Bilabiri while smoking cigarettes as well.
“That there are 5(five) civil defence officers in our community peacefully carrying out their duties working with Tantita security surveillance personnels and if the government is so interested in making proper investigation, we call on the Government to also inquire from the officials to ascertain veracity.
“To this end, we boldly state, demand they, within 7 (seven) working days, withdraw their publication and tender unreserved apology to our community and all persons mentioned in the malicious publication which is capable of turning our community into desert if not properly handled. We equally call and demand for the immediate arrest of these persons for criminal libel.
(Vanguard)
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