Opu-Nembe community in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has been thrown into disarray as 28 chiefs and elders were exiled by youths over allegations of neglecting community security.
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The traditional leaders were accused of attending a birthday celebration for former Nigerian Minister, Sylva, against the community’s interests.
At a press conference led by Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe, some of those sent into exile expressed concern over the humiliation, assault, destruction of property, and driving of people into exile in the community. They blamed Ayerite Ebinimi Moses-led leadership of a youth group for the chaos.
In response, Monday Degi, the group’s spokesperson, revealed that the youth group had been responsible for the widespread violence and social unrest in the community since assuming leadership positions in May 2020. Over twenty houses and properties worth hundreds of millions have been vandalized in the community without any provocation.
The chiefs’ council was accused of failing to intervene in the situation until new invasions occurred in July 2021 and February 2023.
The most recent incident, which triggered the exiling of the chiefs, occurred when they attended the birthday party of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The youths saw their attendance as a betrayal of the community and a failure to prioritize community security.
The exiled chiefs and elders are calling on the police, military, DSS, and other relevant law enforcement agencies to come to their aid and restore peace in the community.
The youth group, led by Vice President Nimibofa Collins, defended their actions and accused the exiled leaders of not caring about the community’s security issues.
Sylva had promised to bring the culprits to justice but has failed to do so, leading to further unrest in the area.
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