IPDI calls on IGP to investigate death of 16 Ijaw youths in IYC zonal election in Rivers •As group condoles with families of victims

By Stephen Asaba-ase

Renowned Non-governmental Organisation under the auspices of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI has called on the inspector general of police, IGP and other relevant security agencies to swiftly investigate the dead of 16 Ijaw youths in the Ijaw Youth Council zonal election held in Rivers State in last week.

The group meanwhile sympathised with the families of the deceased Ijaw youths and others who sustained severed injuries following the deadly clash.

Congress learnt that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) zonal election in Rivers State turned deadly, resulting in the loss of 12 lives, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 16. The violence erupted when suspected armed men clashed in the election venue, shooting sporadically and burning a bus.

The incident occurred at Abuloma Model Primary School in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, where the IYC Eastern Zone election was being held. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents and participants fleeing for their lives.

The Rivers State Police Command had launched an investigation into the incident, with the Commissioner of Police ordering a manhunt for the perpetrators.

In light of this tragic event, the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) is calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings in a view of bringing to book the culprits or masterminds.

However, IPDI is seeking justice for the victims and their families, and is urging the authorities to take swift action to prevent future incidents of violence in Rivers and other IYC predominant states.