Youths from the Ogbotobo community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have raised serious concerns over an alleged plot by members of the neighboring Letugbene community to carry out a violent attack. The warning was issued by a group known as the Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo Federated Community, led by Comrade Pereyeibo Oweilayefa and supported by several others, including Comrade Akeme Moses, Chief Isaiah Tangbowei, Comrade Daniel Sapele, Comrade Solomon Akuna, Comrade Michael Tare Enaigbagha, and Comrade Raphael Benson.
According to reports from TrackNews Online, the Ogbotobo youth leaders allege that Letugbene community members are mobilizing hoodlums and suspected militants to execute what they described as a “dastardly act” against the people of Ogbotobo. The group claims that the planned attack is related to an ongoing land dispute between the two communities, which has led to escalating tensions in recent weeks.
In response to the growing fears, the executive chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area has summoned an emergency meeting involving representatives of both communities. The goal of the meeting is to mediate the conflict and explore peaceful resolutions to the land dispute that has fueled longstanding friction between Ogbotobo and Letugbene.
The Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo have issued an urgent appeal to the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to intervene promptly and prevent any outbreak of violence. They emphasized the need for law enforcement to act swiftly in order to safeguard the lives and property of residents in the area.
The youth group claimed that intelligence gathered from within the region indicates that Letugbene youths, along with external collaborators, may be preparing to launch an aggressive assault. They did not provide concrete evidence to support these claims but insisted that the threat was credible and imminent.
Leaders of the Ogbotobo community said they are committed to peace but will not hesitate to defend their people if attacked. They reiterated their hope that the government would treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and ensure the security of all citizens within the disputed region.
Community tensions have been simmering for years due to unresolved issues over territorial boundaries, fishing rights, and land ownership. Previous attempts at dialogue between the communities have failed to bring lasting solutions, further complicating the dispute.
While the chairman of Ekeremor Local Government is taking steps to address the conflict through dialogue, security agencies have yet to make a public statement regarding the alleged threats. The Bayelsa State Government has also not officially responded to the claims made by the Ogbotobo youth leaders.
Residents of both communities have expressed anxiety over the rising tensions, urging their leaders to find peaceful ways of resolving the dispute to avoid the potential loss of lives or damage to properties. Many fear that if the government does not act quickly, the situation could escalate into open violence.
The Concerned Youths of Ogbotobo have maintained that their call for security intervention is a proactive move aimed at preventing violence, not inciting it. They called on stakeholders at all levels, including traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community elders, to help mediate and de-escalate the situation.
As of the time of this report, no violence has been recorded, but security presence in the region is expected to be increased in light of the warnings issued. The outcome of the local government-led meeting may prove crucial in determining whether peace can be restored or if the region will descend further into conflict.
