Okolo-Ama Ikpangi Forum says it is favourably disposed to working with relevant stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the security challenges facing Bonny Local Government Area should it be called upon it to assist.

It however stated that the modalities to be utilized in addressing the security imbroglio the LGA was facing would only be unfolded when such engagement is initiated.

Spokesman of the forum, Samuel Tolofari disclosed this in response to Kristina Reports; enquiry on its stand regarding the growing calls for its involvement in sourcing a homegrown solution to the security crisis in Bonny LGA.

“We are not happy with what happened at Banigo Village and we are very much willing to help but given the security situation currently we will wait until we are called upon to assist,” he said.

“If we are called upon to assist, we will respond positively because we are also disturbed by what is happening in our land but as for the strategies or modalities to be used that will be when we get to that bridge.”

Tolofari, however, clarified that aside the modalities it would deploy when called upon, any such engagement would be in consonance with extant laws in the country regarding the management of security issues.  

He explained that Okoloma Ikpangi Forum is a pressure group focused on advancing the socio-political, socio-economic and socio-cultural interest of Bonny Kingdom, and this is predicated on the ideals of equity, justice and truth.

He further explained that though during the militancy period in the Niger Delta region, the group resorted to armed struggle that pitted it against the Nigerian State, it has recently adopted a non-violent posture and advocacy in driving its agenda.

In furtherance of its avowal to support the Federal Government in restoring peace to the troubled Niger Delta region, the forum, alongside other groups, subscribed to the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the then President Umaru Yar’Adua administration.

In the aftermath of the attack on a funeral at Banigo Isile-Ogono and subsequent kidnap of four titled citizens of Bonny Kingdom, calls have intensified on leveraging the expertise of groups such as the Okolo-Ama Ikpangi Forum, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), among others to assist in developing a homogenous solution to the security challenges facing Bonny LGA.

One of such calls was made by the Vicar-in-Charge of St. Michael’s Christ Army Church (CAC), Abonnema, Reverend Canon Nengi Brown, who specifically called for the engagement of Okolo-Ama Ikpangi to assist.  

He said “Ask the (LG) Chairman to call the Okoloama Ikpangi to assist him. Also remember when we have groups like CASA and others, outsiders were afraid to come.”

The kidnap incident of Saturday, September 12, 2020 brings the incidences of abduction in Bonny LGA to two within a nine months period thus spiking apprehension that all was not well in terms of security in the area.