Yesterday, Tuesday 24 Febuary, 2004 at about mid-day, Ugbagboro an Itsekiri town in the Warri North Local Government Area was invaded by the militias of the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youth Council and same reduced to rubble. The militias which came in 5 speed boats and armed with sophisticated weapons shot indiscriminately, and by the end of their invasion 25 persons were killed especially those who were too weak to escape; made up of 10 women, 14 children and Pa. Jemiren Oghomone, the oldest man in the town. Five out of those killed were beheaded including Pa.Oghomone apparently for sacrifice to the Ijaw god-egbesu. A lot of others sustained injuries through gun shot, machete and spear Also, the invaders burnt down over 60 houses including the only church in the town

As at 6 pm today, hundreds of those who escaped into the bushes are yet to come out from hiding. It is not impossible that some of those who escaped into the bushes with injuries may have died.

With local government election now near in Delta State, it is clear that the Ijaws (as usual) will again embark on another round of decimation of Itsekiri land in all its crudity so as to prevent the Itsekiris from electing those to man their local government councils of Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North.

We appeal to the Operation Restore Hope be conscious of the fact that will local government elections drawing near, the Ijaws will leave no stone unturned in their barbaric disposition and desire to stop the election. We appeal to members of the Operation Restore Hope to fulfill its callings and not to be deter by the high rate of casualties that the Ijaw militia has inflicted on them. We appeal to all men of conscience and goodwill to come to the aid of the Itsekiris, else they will be wiped off by the Ijaws The Ijaws must be called to order, and the time is now!

Matthew Itsekure (Mr)

ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL(INYC)

WARRI-DELTA STATE

Email-itsekiri_youths@yahoo.co.uk

Chairman, Pub. Sub. Committee –24-02-04

March 2004