Ijaw Youths Council seeks release of Niger Delta youths

THE President of the Ijaw Youth council (IYC), Mr Eric Omare, has called for the release of Niger Delta youths detained without trial by the military, to consolidate on the peace process in the region.

Omare made the demand on Thursday during a visit to the headquarters of the joint military force in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital.

He expressed gratitude to the Joint Task Force on its operation to ensuring security in the Ijaw nation and its area of jurisdiction.

Omare requested their immediate release of suspects when no illegality is established against them, adding that releasing the innocent ones will show that the military was not in the region to molest law abiding citizens.

“Only last week, I helped to secure the bail of some of our members in Delta state and I am convinced that their release was made easy with the intervention of the Commander, Operation Delta safe.”

“For that he deserves our appreciation,” Omare added.

On security, the IYC president, assures that the already working relationship between the Operation Delta safe and the youths will be strengthened.

He urged the JTF to reciprocate the gesture to reassure the region of the Federal Government’s sincerity towards the ongoing dialogue.

In response, the commander of the Operation Delta safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, said the Joint Task Force has been monitoring the activities of the youth body, including the recent election processes.

Suleiman further urged the leadership of the IYC to sensitize the youths about the activities of Operation Delta Safe which is to ensure peace and security in the region, adding that the military was not deployed to intimidate the people but protect them and the oil facilities.

“I want to urge us to separate militancy from criminality, we are not in partnership with any oil company, rather, we are here to discourage illegal shutting down, attack on facilities and other related criminal activities,” Suleiman said.

On collaboration with the IYC for better operations, Suleiman assures the Omare-led executives of a good working relationship in accordance with the law.