I am reading in shame the disgraceful act of some indigent Ijaw youths in Biagbolo, Bayelsa against innocent traders of Igbo extraction under the guise of avenging the death of 17-year-old Faith Omosovu Pius, who was murdered by a certain “Tochukwu” suspected to be of Igbo extraction.
While I’m concerned about the gruesome murder of Faith and the calamity it has brought on the people of Biagbolo, the family of the deceased and the entire Ijaw nation, I can’t help but condemn the irresponsible and barbaric actions of some youths in the community in reaction to the sad incident.
Firstly, the youths must understand that even in animal kingdom the action of a an animal cannot be said to be that of the entire group except they assent to it. So why should responsible and law abiding traders be meant to pay for the sin of a particular individual? Why should we take action that even animals will frown at? We are meant to be above every animal, so why should we do what they despise? What concerns the Igbo businessman in his shop with the action of Tochukwu?
Secondly, our people in Bayelsa must realise that any society that does not make herself to be conducive and accommodating to visitors and investors is bound to the ruins. Even the greatest economies in the world open their doors to people with legitimate interest. Why should some Bayelsans take action that discourages not only existing Businesses but also prospective businesses?
Thirdly, what about if every tribe in Nigeria adopt such strategy? What about if Yoruba people attack Ijaws in their various communities in Ikorodu and other parts of Ogun and Lagos States simply because some misguided Ijaw people took their militancy to a higher realm by engaging in kidnapping, armed robbery, reckless killings and other social vices within Yoruba land? Will it be justified?
And fourthly, how are we even sure that the culprit has no Ijaw accomplice? Will they kill all Ijaws and destroy their sources of livelihood if an Ijaw man is found out to be an accomplice?
For the sake of sanity, a crime has been committed, the appropriate thing to do is to ensure that the authorities act on it and justice be done, while working with the Igbo community/traders within the locality to ensure that the culprit and his accomplice(s) are not shielded.
I urge the Police and Bayelsa state government to do all within their powers to ensure that justice is not only done to Miss Faith but also to those Igbo traders that fell victim of the misguided actions of some youths in the community.
In strong terms, I condemn the violence against law abiding Igbo traders and residents in Bayelsa state. I sincerely apologize over the barbaric action of those misguided youths.
Ijaw means truth, the truth we must not compromise. In Peace Faith…
May God Bless Us All And Bless Nigeria
