Warri — A prominent Ijaw leader, Tunde Smooth, on Thursday implored the Federal Government to order a ceasefire in the ongoing confrontation between the military and militants in some riverine communities of Delta State.

Smooth, in a press statement made available to Daily Independent, urged President Umaru Yar'Adua to order the Joint Task Force (JTF) to stop bombarding Ijaw communities, adding that the Presidency should take the step in the interest of the law abiding and innocent persons affected by the conflict.

According to him, many persons have been killed and maimed by troops of the JTF in the six-day operation in the area.

"I am appealing to Mr. President to order a ceasefire in order to avert further needless loss of innocent lives and destruction of property in the region. Mr. President as the father of the nation should please temper justice with mercy at this point in time.

"Two wrongs do not make a right. Mr. President should forgive a recalcitrant child after effecting little punishment. My plea is informed by the plights of innocent persons who are not in any way connected or involved in militancy," he said.

Smooth also urged the militants to stop violent activities, especially attack on security agencies and oil workers as well as oil equipment, adding that no individual or group could successfully withstand the Federal might.

He said the crisis got out of hands because the Federal and state governments in the region did not relate with credible leaders of the region, adding that reputable and well-meaning leaders should henceforth be involved in the search for peace in the region.

Smooth thumbed up Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State for the success of his peace initiatives in the past two years, adding that the peace process was truncated by aboteurs.