ABUJA – AS Nigerians continue to react to the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuoma, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, youth under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Congress, NDYC, Monday, said violence not a justified means to address grievances by the perpetrators.
The National Coordinator, NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, told Vanguard that the dastardly act is unacceptable and never supported by Niger Delta youth rather they vehemently condemn it, because it was barbaric to gruesomely murder military men who were first, Nigerians, citizens, and military officers protecting Nigerians.
Uwejeyan said their deepest condolences go to the families of the deceased officers and they stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time as they also deeply mourn the loss of innocent lives and properties resulting from the ensuing from the alleged reprisal attacks by the military in Okuoma Community.
He said: “The Niger Delta Youth Congress, NDYC, strongly condemns the senseless killing of 16 military officers by certain irate youths in the Niger Delta region. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased officers and stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
“We deeply mourn the loss of innocent lives and properties resulting from the ensuing reprisal attacks by the military, recognizing the devastating toll it has taken on innocent lives and the tranquility we’ve painstakingly fostered in recent years in the region.
“Violence can never be justified as a means to address grievances or seek redress for perceived injustices. Such reprehensible acts not only undermine the peace and stability of our region but also endanger the lives of innocent civilians and further exacerbate existing tensions.
We implore all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilian lives and properties.
“The peace we have enjoyed in our region must be treasured and safeguarded at all costs. We stand firm in our resolve to resist any attempts to plunge the Niger Delta into chaos, and we demand that all perpetrators of these heinous acts be apprehended swiftly and brought to justice to face the full force of the law.
“Let us join hands in solidarity to build a future where harmony and prosperity prevail in our beloved Niger Delta region through constructive dialogue and collaboration, we believe we can chart a path towards sustainable peace and development for the Niger Delta.”
However, he (Uwejeyan) assured and expressed commitment towards peace making and keeping that promote unity and development in the Niger Delta region.
“As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering peace, unity, and development in the region. We call on all youths to eschew violence and embrace constructive dialogue as the pathway to achieving our collective aspirations for a prosperous and harmonious Niger Delta” he said.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that,”To this end, we, the leadership of the Niger Delta youth, propose the organization of a comprehensive meeting involving youth leadership stakeholders from across the region to address the underlying issues that have contributed to these sad events.”
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