The people of Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are living in fear over an alleged plot by a violent group to invade the area.
A reliable source in the community said on Thursday – yesterday, February 20 – that the threat is real and is not unconnected to the ongoing oil politics in the area.
The invasion would be used as an excuse to sack various organs of communal leadership and install their cronies, the source disclosed.
The source said, “Community leaders are aware of this threat of invasion, but they are yet to say or do anything about it.”
The source recalled a similar invasion in May 2005 when a sect used the excuse of a scheduled local government election to invade the community.
It led to loss of lives and destruction of property worth several millions of naira and it took a counter invasion by another sect to liberate the community.
The source said the thickening plot is being built around a deliberate denial of communities in the area some basic amenities like water and electricity.
He blamed the cholera outbreak that ravaged the Nembe-Ogbolomabiri area on lack of potable water due to absence of electricity to operate water facilities in the area.
The Amayanabo of Nembe, King Edmund Daukoru, did not pick his calls or respond to a text message when reached for comments on the issue.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr Musa Mohammed, did not also pick his calls or respond to inquiry through a text message.
