𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘂 𝟮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗡𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁

In a shocking display of lawlessness, armed thugs from the Amatu 2 community launched a brutal assault on defenseless workers in the Agotitun community on September 1st. The attack left one victim stripped naked and fighting for his life in a harrowing ordeal that has exposed a deeply troubling escalation of local violence.

The violent attack was carried out by individuals dressed in black and wielding three AK-47 rifles and five hunting guns. They targeted four workers from the Bilabiri community who were in the area trying to earn an honest living. The gang surrounded Mr. Estate, a native of the Ojobo community, while the other three workers managed to flee for their lives. The armed group subjected Mr. Estate to a terrifying assault, humiliating him by stripping him completely naked. He miraculously escaped through dense bush to a nearby creek, where a compassionate fisherwoman rescued him.

Community leaders point directly to two prominent figures as the orchestrators behind this campaign: King Ibane Joel and Berry Negerese, the APC flag bearer for Ekeremor Constituency 3.

According to an official statement released by the Bilabiri community leadership, these two individuals have allegedly been coordinating continuous harassment, intimidation, threats to life, attempted killings, and kidnapping against the residents of Bilabiri.

HRH Chief Commander Abiodun, the acting Amanawei of the Bilabiri community, along with Chief Tekenane Abaka (CDC Chairman), Mr. Ebike Adams (CDC Secretary), High Chief Friday Gelu, and Paebi Samson (National President of Bilabiri Ibe Ware), issued a scathing condemnation of the perpetrators.

“When an elder tells falsehoods to his child, he weakens the family and harms the whole community; when a king hides the truth from his people, he sows the seeds of his own kingdom’s destruction,” the statement declared, directly challenging the leadership of King Ibane Joel.

In a further revelation, community sources report that King Ibane Joel allegedly prepared “Egbesu” (traditional war charms) and distributed flags to the armed militants with instructions to plant them throughout Agoliyo territory—an act local leaders view as a clear provocation and territorial aggression.

Critiques were also leveled against Berry Negerese. Leaders noted that as a candidate contesting the assembly seat to represent Ekeremor Constituency 3, Negerese should be seeking peace and development. Instead, they accuse him of being the financial sponsor behind these armed actors and allegedly “calling for war.”

In a timely intervention, officers of the Nigerian Army—deployed by the Federal Government to protect lives and property following two previous armed invasions—visited the crime scene and issued a stern warning to the aggressors to cease their attacks immediately.

The military’s presence represents a beacon of hope for the residents of Bilabiri, who have maintained restraint and a commitment to due process despite repeated provocations.
In stark contrast to the aggressive tactics of their adversaries, Bilabiri community leaders emphasized their commitment to a peaceful resolution and the rule of law.

“We are law-abiding citizens and will continue to follow the right steps. If you claim the Agoliyo territory belongs to you, then defend it with documentation and proof through the proper channels, instead of sending boys with sophisticated weapons to destroy a community,” HRH Commander declared.

“This position highlights the fundamental difference between civilized people seeking justice through proper channels and criminals who resort to violence, intimidation, and attempted murder,” added Paebi Samson.

The actions of King Ibane Joel and Berry Negerese are being called a betrayal of public trust. Rather than protecting people and promoting peace, they stand accused by the community of:

• Sponsoring armed actors with high-grade weapons
• Orchestrating multiple invasions of peaceful communities
• Attempting to murder innocent workers
• Using traditional practices to incite violence
• Choosing conflict over dialogue and documentation
  The people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large are watching. History will record how these leaders chose conflict over peace, deception over truth, and destruction over development.

Following the attack, a media outlet named Iduwini Reporters reportedly rushed to social media to spread misinformation targeting the army and local residents. This narrative was circulated immediately after the incident in what appears to be a deliberate campaign to distort the facts.

As the Nigerian Army maintains its vigilance and the Bilabiri community continues to pursue justice through lawful means, a critical question remains: How long will King Ibane Joel and Berry Negerese escape accountability for this campaign of intimidation?

The victims of this violence deserve justice, the targeted communities demand protection, and the rule of law must ultimately prevail.

Stand with Bilabiri. Stand with peace. Stand against violence.