The Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo (CYO) have accused Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, of violating a government directive to maintain peace by allegedly attacking and stabbing an Ogbotobo youth, Master Pake Akuna, on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
According to a statement signed by Ogbotobo youth leaders, the incident occurred despite ongoing directives from Ekeremor Council Chairman, Mr. Isaac Oniye, and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, instructing both communities to avoid hostilities pending the outcome of the state government’s findings on their boundary dispute.
The group alleged that Letugbene residents have continued to issue threats, engage in acts of violence, and show aggression toward Ogbotobo, culminating in the latest attack.
They said Master Akuna, who works with an oil servicing company, was travelling from Ogbinbiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to Warri, Delta State, when he stopped opposite Letugbene community in the evening. He reportedly left a houseboat to purchase items at the Letugbene community market, where he was allegedly attacked and stabbed at the waist by a group of youths from Letugbene.
According to the statement, the victim was rescued by soldiers providing security at the houseboat, with assistance from other individuals, and taken to Ogbotobo for medical attention.
The Ogbotobo youths described the attack as part of a pattern of aggression, claiming they have been repeatedly targeted because of oil and gas resources in their territory. They said they have so far adhered to government directives to maintain peace, but warned that continued attacks could force them to defend themselves.
“We are notifying the Bayelsa State Government, DSS, Defence Headquarters, and other relevant authorities to bear us witness when we begin defending ourselves because we have had enough,” the statement read. “Nobody has monopoly of violence, and since we have no option than to defend ourselves, we shall do so with necessary means.”
The group called on the Ekeremor Council Chairman, the Deputy Governor, and both state and federal authorities to take note of what they described as “unprovoked attacks” by Letugbene residents.
The statement was signed by Comr. Pereyeibo Oweilayefa, Comr. Akeme Moses, Mr. Victor Akpofi, Comr. Solomon Akuna, Comr. Daniel Sapele, Comr. Chief Isaiah Tangbowei, Mr. Ebimo Enoch, Mr. Tare Enaigbagha, Comr. Raphael Benson, and Mr. Ebenane Zifapha on behalf of the Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo.
As of press time, no official response had been received from Letugbene community or the Bayelsa State Government regarding the latest allegation.
