IBE Liberated Movement of Niger Delta has told Governor Adams Oshiom-hole of Edo State to expect more attacks in the state if Ijaw indigenes are not included in political positions in the state.
The group, which claimed responsibility for the recent kidnap of the wife of the state Commissioner for Works, Mrs. Itohan Obayagbona warned that it would carry out more attacks in the state if nothing was done to address the continuous marginalisation of Ijaws in the state.
In a statement in Benin yesterday signed by Mr. Ibe- Dubanor Godsent, the group said the abandonment of the Ijaws of the state by successive administrations was the reason for their action. They also said their action was informed by the continuous marginalisation and the non-inclusion of the Ijaws into the Edo State Executive Council.
“We are bringing to the notice of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the way and manner the Ijaws of Edo State are being oppressed and marginalized and wish to state categorically that we are responsible for the kidnap of the Commissioner of Work’s wife.
“We wish to state categorically that except the NDDC commissioner slot for Edo State is given to the Ijaws of Edo, the state should be ready for more attacks and in no distant time a conscientious name will be submitted to the state governor. What we need now is rapid development of the Ijaw speaking areas of Edo State and immediate inclusion of the Ijaws in political positions”, the group said.