The Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, has commended the Nigerian Navy for its swift and professional operation that led to the arrest of a criminal and militant group terrorising Akassa Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the monarch said the gang, led by one Sunday, had for some time been terrorising Igu-Buo, otherwise known as Cape Formoso Island, and was responsible for the unlawful killing of Chief Inatimi Ikua in 2025.
HRH Kenibara VII, who is also the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Central Zone, said the arrest has brought immense relief to the people of Akassa Kingdom.
He said, “This timely intervention has brought immense relief to our people and will go a long way in restoring lasting peace and security not only within Igu-Buo, but across Akassa Clan and its environs. We commend the discipline, professionalism and commitment of the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy who carried out this operation.”
The monarch, however, cautioned youths of the kingdom to desist from all forms of criminality.
“Let it be known that the path of crime only leads to destruction, and nemesis will always catch up with those who tread it. We urge our young people to embrace hard work, dignity, respect for constituted authority and lawful enterprise as the only sustainable path to progress and honour for themselves and for Akassa Kingdom,” he said.
Kenibara VII also dismissed allegations linking High Chief Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the Ibe Tupuka of Akassa Kingdom and Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, to sponsorship of criminality in the area.
He described the allegation as baseless, malicious and without foundation, stressing that Ingobere is a man of impeccable character, service and integrity.
“There is hardly a family within and beyond Akassa Clan that has not benefitted from his philanthropy – from sponsoring medical treatment for the sick, to building houses for the elderly, to supporting the education of our youths and empowering countless indigenes in business and trade,” he stated.
He warned members of the public and the media to desist from making unverified and defamatory utterances, noting that such acts only serve to distract from peace, unity and development.
The traditional ruler assured that with the Navy’s intervention, peace has now been fully restored in Hununu community and its environs, and urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“We once again thank the Nigerian Navy and all security agencies for standing with the people of Akassa. We pledge our continued cooperation and support in the collective fight against crime and in the maintenance of peace and security in our domain,” he added
