Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide, has denied reports it was planning a coordinated attack on military facilities and locations across the Niger Delta region in response to the ongoing military operations in the Niger Delta.
Spokesman of IYC Worldwide, Amb Binebai Princewill in a statement on Sunday, said: “The attention of IYC Worldwide has been drawn to a maliciously written and circulating publication that the IYC under the firm leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri is planning a coordinated attack on military facilities and locations across the Niger Delta region.
“To us, this is not only false but a lie emanating from the pit of hell, this is an evil taken too far by mischief makers and enemies of the region and Ijaw nation.
“Council would have ignored the said publication but for the times we are in, it is very key and important that we clear the Nigerian Military that the IYC has no issue with the military not to talk of attacking them.
“The IYC press statement condemning the killing of Soldiers was widely publicized by almost all national dailies and credible online news outlets across the country stating the position of the Ijaw Youth Council on the matter.
“Council also urged the military to go after only criminal elements and not let innocent people pay for a sin they did not commit by ensuring that they do not go beyond the rules of engagement.
“This position was further amplified by the President of IYC Worldwide, Sir Lokpobiri, who granted a live interview on Arise News wherein he condemned the barbaric attack on the military officers.
“The said statement emanating from Officers and Cadets Worldwide on Facebook lite reads below:
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“In response to the ongoing Military operations going on in the Niger Delta, Intelligence report indicates that youths under the guise and command of IYC headed by Lokpobiri are planning coordinated attacks on military locations and facilities across the Niger Delta region.
“We, therefore, call on units which area of responsibility falls within this areas specifically 146 Battalion, 29 Battalion, 130 Battalion and pathfinder to be vigilant and combat ready and give them (Wotowoto) to anyone or group of persons who decides to attack their locations.
“For the sake of emphasis, the IYC is warning mischief makers to keep clear from the IYC as we are tasking Nigerians to disseminate only true and credible information to the public.
“In setting the records straight, the IYC has a communication channel that is used in passing information for the Ijaw Youths Across the World and to Nigerians in general.
“It is the President of Council and the Spokesman that convey the message of the Ijaw people to the general populace.
“We are warning that nobody or group of persons should credit whatever anybody says to our highly revered and reputable IYC as our positions regarding any issue is always made public and not based on unverifiable information.
“What happened at Okuama on March 14, 2024, that saw the killing of soldiers has been condemned and remained condemned.
“The IYC has also tasked the military to strictly adhere to professionalism and the rules of engagement as there have been reported cases of massacre in Ijaw communities including the killing of innocent people.”
