Bayelsa: Southern Ijaw Group Raises Alarm Over Rising Human Rights Abuses by Pipeline Security Operatives

A group in Bayelsa State known as, Southern Ijaw Unity Forum, has raised serious concerns over what it described as the increasing wave of human rights violations being committed by pipeline surveillance operatives in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Comrade Timothy Amadiowei, the group called on the Bayelsa State Government to urgently intervene before more innocent lives are endangered.

According to the forum, the current situation has reached an alarming level where individuals can be injured or killed over mere suspicion of illegal oil bunkering, often without any investigation or right to fair hearing.

Amadiowei further decried the proliferation of arms in the area, warning that sophisticated weapons are now in the hands of criminal elements and mentally unfit individuals parading as pipeline security personnel.

“In the last one year, Southern Ijaw has seen a disturbing rise in violent attacks, many of them linked to armed surveillance operatives. In just the last six months, there have been multiple incidents with casualties, the latest being the June 13 shooting of a minor,” the statement read.

The incident, which occurred in Iprutubu-gbene, a satellite community of Igbomotoru, saw operatives of Labrador Security allegedly open fire on unarmed residents of a fishing settlement. A young boy, Goddey Jonah, from Korokorosei in Olodiama clan, was hit by a bullet in the stomach and is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

Comrade Amadiowei described the shooting as unjustified, stating that the operatives claimed they suspected the residents of being oil thieves, despite no evidence of pipeline vandalism or crude oil theft in the area.

“This is one of many unprovoked attacks on our fishing communities, apparently intended to militarize Bomo Clan under the guise of security operations,” he said.

The group also called on the Federal Government to urgently investigate the activities of these surveillance contractors and ensure that citizens can live and conduct their daily activities free from fear, intimidation, or violence.