An investigation has raised allegations of a planned armed attack on Bilabiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, allegedly involving an All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly aspirant and a traditional ruler.
The allegations, contained in a report dated August 20, 2026, claim that Hon. Berry Negerese, identified as the APC flagbearer for Ekeremor Constituency 3, allegedly sponsored the mobilisation of armed men to attack the community.
The report further alleged that the attackers were instructed to intimidate, harass and abduct residents, with a purported directive to attack the entire community if residents resisted.
Alleged Arms Supply Network
According to the investigation, Negerese allegedly established an arms supply channel through a man identified as Victor Elkanah, popularly known as “Ibori”.
The report alleged that Elkanah was tasked with sourcing firearms for the operation, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), several AK-47 rifles and a G3 rifle.
The weapons were reportedly handed over to two men identified as Man Job and Fine-Boy Job, said to be residents of Amatu 2 community.
The investigation further alleged that the firearms were subsequently transferred to King Ibane Joel, the traditional ruler of Iduwini, who was said to have prepared the weapons using a traditional charm known as “Egbesu” before their alleged deployment.
These claims could not independently be verified at the time of filing this report.
Alleged Attacks on August 17 and 19
The investigation linked the alleged arms mobilisation to two attacks on Bilabiri community on August 17 and August 19, 2026.
According to the report, eyewitnesses allegedly observed the movement of weapons and individuals believed to be connected to the attacks.
It further claimed that on August 18, Victor Elkanah was seen passing through Bilabiri on his way to Amatu, where he allegedly told residents that he was going to retrieve firearms, including the two GPMGs, AK-47 rifles and a G3 rifle.
The report claimed that Elkanah later returned with one GPMG, which he allegedly dropped at Letugbene community before proceeding to Ekeremor.
Alleged Security Agency Involvement
The report also raised allegations of possible involvement or complicity by security personnel.
An eyewitness allegedly claimed that Elkanah left Ekeremor on the evening of August 19 aboard a high-powered boat and was escorted by security operatives during the movement of ammunition.
The allegation, if established, could raise serious questions about the conduct of security personnel and the possible movement of illegal firearms within the area.
However, no independent confirmation from the relevant security agencies was provided in the report.
Community Leaders Demand Investigation
Community leaders in Bilabiri have called for an independent investigation into the alleged attacks and the reported movement of arms.
Those making the demand include Chief Tekenane Abaka, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC); Mr Ebike Adams, CDC Secretary; and Paebi Samson, National President of Bilabiri Ibe Ware.
They appealed to the Federal and Bayelsa State governments, the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
The community leaders also called for the arrest and investigation of individuals they identified as suspects, including Man Job, Fine-Boy Job, Mr Ebiyekon Timakawei and King Ibane Joel Ekeni, as well as alleged security personnel whose identities were not disclosed.
They further demanded the recovery of suspected illegal firearms, speedboats and other weapons allegedly linked to the incidents.
Call for Increased Security in Bilabiri
The community leaders urged the government to deploy additional security personnel to Bilabiri to protect residents and prevent further violence.
They also called for measures to support displaced residents and restore normalcy in the affected communities.
In addition, they appealed to the authorities to investigate allegations surrounding illegal mining activities involving the Amatu group and to take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The community leaders warned that failure to urgently investigate the allegations could worsen tensions and trigger wider communal conflict in Ekeremor Local Government Area and other parts of Bayelsa State.
No Independent Confirmation Yet
The allegations contained in the investigation are serious and involve claims of arms trafficking, political violence, kidnapping and possible complicity by security personnel. However, the claims should be treated as allegations pending confirmation by competent law-enforcement authorities or an independent investigation.
Attempts to independently establish the response of the individuals and institutions mentioned in the allegations were not reflected in the material provided. Their responses should be sought and included to ensure fairness and balance.