Government returns IDPs to their ancestral community in Bayelsa

Peace has finally returned to Peremabiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, as residents who fled from the ancestral community after the 2015 governorship election violence in the state returned home.

It will be recalled that the people were displaced and forced out of their community close to two years, as they took refuge at the Samson Siasia sports complex in Yenagoa.

Not fewer than 900 displaced persons comprising  of men, women, youths and children during the orgy of the 2015 election violence by government intervention, have returned to Peremabiri community in more than 10 passenger boats to the warm embrace of their kinsmen.

However, their kinsmen celebrated their re-union with family members, as they rolled out drums dancing and appreciating the state government’s gesture, and particularly for flying the then Paramount Ruler, Progress Never Die, who was shot by politically hired hoodlums abroad for speedy medical attention.

The Paramount ruler’s health condition, it was learnt, had improved.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, who regretted the spate of violence during the polls, urged the community leaders to do everything possible to sustain peace in their domain.

The commissioner thanked Governor Seriake Dickson for picking up their bills, which he said was the hallmark of a passionate leader, while in the IDP camp in Yenagoa, and security agencies for returning peace to the community.

Iworiso-Markson urged them to ensure their community did not go through such dark moment again because of the interest of few, even as he enjoined them to support the Dickson led government for utmost concern shown for their wellbeing and welfare.

In his remarks, the chairman, Caretaker Committee of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr Nigeria Kia, expressed satisfaction for their return to the community.

Kia commended the Governor for making it possible for them to return to their various communities.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr Boma Spero-Jack, said since 2015, the government of Bayelsa had been responsible for their feeding and accommodation.

“Everyone is happy to go back to their ancestral community after a long time,” he said.

Jack urged them to be law abiding as normalcy had finally returned to their community.

The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Amber Asuquo, assured them of their safety, adding that the community was now calm.

Asuquo advised them to forget about the past as no society could achieve a meaningful development under a state of rancor.

The commissioner also urged them to be law abiding and report any suspected cases of violent to the appropriate authority in the community.

Ebitimi Joseph, one of the returnees who spoke on behalf of others said that they were elated to return to their ancestral homes and applauded the state government for the welfare of the internally displaced people for about a two-year period.