Segun James
25 June 2008
Yenagoa — War of supremacy among militant groups in the creeks of the Niger Delta worsened yesterday, as no fewer than 30 persons have been killed.
Prince Igodo, whose camp was invaded by rampaging warriors from Ateke Tom's camp, had been reported dead from injuries he sustained during battles with the invaders.
It would be recalled that Igodo, in company of another militant leader, Captain Africa, led militants in Bayelsa State to sign a peace pact with the state government last year.
Reports from the creeks have it that the war between Igodo and Ateke Tom, whose soldiers have successfully routed about eight smaller militia groups in the creeks of Southern Ijaw, an area which is well noted for guerilla warfare, started when Igodo refused the Ateke Tom's men passage through his territory.
The refusal soon degenerated into a battle, at the end of which Igodo's camp was destroyed. A wounded Igodo who was shot on both legs was spirited away by his soldiers. Unconfirmed reports said he died in the early hours of yesterday, at the Ekeowe Cmmunity Cottage Hospital, where he was rushed for treatment.
When contacted, Bayelsa State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Iniobong Ibokette, allayed the fear of the people, saying the state is calm.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has lamented that the multi-faceted developmental challenges in the region was due to the division among various ethnic groups. He, therefore ,called on the leaders to find ways of bringing the people together.
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