The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) on Friday condemned the rising insecurity in the Niger Delta region and regretted the loss of lives of military personnel and civilians.

In a statement issued by IYC, Spokesman Mr. Eric Omare in Yenagoa, the youth group noted that the insecurity in the region is rapidly deteriorating and getting out of control. The group urged President Muhammad Buhari to personally take over the Niger Delta peace process to ensure a rapid return of peace.

IYC noted the reported cases of attacks and killing of soldiers, civilians working in houseboats and attacks on oil facilities in Ogbeinbiri, Bayelsa State and Forcados export line in Delta State were condemnable and regrettable.

The statement reads in part: “The civilians killed at the house boat were mainly Ijaw youths including Tombra David Iwoubebi and Anita Demedongha from Odimodi community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

“We in strong words condemn this senseless killing of soldiers and civilians that were working in the houseboat. This act of wickedness would only complicate an already delicate security situation.

“We call for a bi-partisan stakeholders’ effort to bring the fast deteriorating security situation under control.

“The IYC is of the view that to make the process effective and produce the required result, President Buhari must personally take charge and provide leadership.

“The situation requires the direct involvement of President Buhari. The events of the last few days have clearly shown that those mandated to lead the peace process have failed to produce the desired result.”

The youth group also called on the governors of the Niger Delta states to collaborate and galvanise stakeholders in the region to quickly start the process to return peace to the Niger Delta region. Omare called on political leaders to rise above party and political affiliation to save the Niger Delta region as well as the Nigerian economy from total collapse.

“The events that are happening in the region pose serious economic, environmental and security challenges to the entire nation. On the part of the IYC, we reiterate our readiness and commitment to work with relevant stakeholders to return peace to the Niger Delta region while at the same time addressing the issues affecting the region.

“The IYC also passionately call on the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups and individuals to give peace a chance. Violence has never solved problems anywhere in the world. The federal, state governments and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region should be given the opportunity to look at the issues at stake. We strongly feel that the continuous bombing of oil facilities and killings is not in the interest of the Niger Delta region and people. Aggrieved groups must give peace a chance,” Omare said.

•Photo shows IYC Spokesman Eric Omare.