One Killed, Settlement Destroyed in Clash Between Residents and Farmers in Bayelsa

One person has been killed, and a farm settlement was set ablaze as clashes erupted between the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa and Anam farmers engaged in commercial agriculture in the region.

The Anam people from Anambra State have been operating farm settlements in various locations across Bayelsa State to cultivate crops for commercial purposes.

Tensions began on October 6 when Mr. Apah Abel from the Bumoundi community was allegedly murdered over accusations of stealing at the farm settlement.

In retaliation, residents of Akaibiri and Bumoundi reportedly launched an attack, setting the farm settlement on fire.

The Bayelsa State Police Command announced that two individuals are already in custody in connection with Abel’s murder and warned both the Akaibiri and Bumoundi communities, as well as the Anam farmers, against taking the law into their own hands.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Idu, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Gabriel Elaigwu, confirmed during a meeting with the state deputy governor and stakeholders from both communities and the farmers that the two suspects linked to Abel’s murder are in police custody and assured a thorough investigation would be conducted.

Meanwhile, the state government urged non-indigenes to respect local authorities to maintain peace, law, and order in the state.

Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the need for non-indigenes to be aware of the laws and traditional practices of host communities to foster peaceful coexistence.

He noted that visitors should be properly introduced to community leadership by their landlords to help identify and apprehend criminals in the state.

He also advised community leaders to remain actively engaged in their areas to promote peace and stability.

“I want to appeal that all our communities in Ekpetiama should maintain the peace. CP should also liaise with other security agencies and maintain some security presence in the area until this matter is properly laid to rest,” he said.

“We encourage all our communities to have vigilantes so that this idea of self-help will be minimised. Because if the vigilantes were doing their job, this would not happen. And to the Anam people, you don’t have the right to kill a thief. You only have the right to catch a thief and hand the person over to law enforcement agents.

“If they are stealing your property, don’t resort to self-help, report to the police and your host communities. You need to communicate this to all your people wherever they are in Ijawland.”

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Clan, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift intervention to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

King Dakolo urged the police to ensure that those responsible for the killing of the deceased and the burning of the Anam farm settlements are held accountable under the law.

He also called on the Anam farmers to respect the existing cultures and traditions of the host communities, as well as to acknowledge the local leadership hierarchy.