Source: This Day
Militants War Worsens, 30 Killed
War of supremacy among militant groups in the creeks of the Niger Delta worsened yesterday, as no fewer than 30 persons have been killed.
Prince Igodo, whose camp was invaded by rampaging warriors from Ateke Tom’s camp, had been reported dead from injuries he sustained during battles with the invaders.
It would be recalled that Igodo, in company of another militant leader, Captain Africa, led militants in Bayelsa State to sign a peace pact with the state government last year.
Reports from the creeks have it that the war between Igodo and Ateke Tom, whose soldiers have successfully routed about eight smaller militia groups in the creeks of Southern Ijaw, an area which is well noted for guerilla warfare, started when Igodo refused the Ateke Tom�s men passage through his territory.
The refusal soon degenerated into a battle, at the end of which Igodo’s camp was destroyed. A wounded Igodo who was shot on both legs was spirited away by his soldiers. Unconfirmed reports said he died in the early hours of yesterday, at the Ekeowe Cmmunity Cottage Hospital, where he was rushed for treatment.
When contacted, Bayelsa State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Iniobong Ibokette, allayed the fear of the people, saying the state is calm.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has lamented that the multi-faceted developmental challenges in the region was due to the division among various ethnic groups. He, therefore ,called on the leaders to find ways of bringing the people together.
Source: The Nigerian Tribune
Death toll in Bayelsa clash now 16 – Militant leader on danger list
A leader of one of the militant groups in Bayelsa State, Prince Igodo, is now on danger list, while the death toll in last weekend�s clash between two militant groups in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State has increased to 16.
The clash, involving Prince Igodo-led group and another group known as Ogunbos, broke out in the early hours of Sunday, claiming the lives of no fewer than 10 people including passers-by, while others were injured.
Ogunbos, according to a source, had a one on one confrontation with Igodo at his base in Opuama in Southern Ijaw, demanding for autonomy, having served under him for several years.
Describing the demand as an affront, Igodo allegedly attacked Ogunbos using various weapons.
The source stated that during the attacks which lasted for several hours, Igodo was badly injured while one of his war boats was hijacked by the opposition.
The source added that Igodo was rushed to Ekeowe community for medical treatment. While there, members of Ogunbos group stormed the place and renewed hostilty, which at the end recorded more casualties.