National President of Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, Comrade Ozobo Austin, has expressed deep concern over the safety of Dennis Banigo, an Ijaw activist and Coordinator of Ijaw People’s Assembly, IPA, who was recently abducted by unknown gunmen. Comrade Austin in a statement signed on June 26, called on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and security chiefs to swing into action to ensure the timely release of Banigo from his abductors.
His statement reads: We are disturbed over the barbaric abduction of Comrade Dennis Banigo, the coordinator of Ijaw People’s Assembly, IPA, in Rivers State. He was abducted by unknown gunmen and to date his whereabouts are unknown. This is worrisome. The police silence is giving us deep concern. The governor of Rivers state Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike and the commissioner of police in the state, Mr. Joseph Gobum Mukan must not sleep over this ugly incident. They should swing into action and ensure the quick release of our fellow Comrade Dennis Banigo. We want to state unequivocally that the recent attacks against the right activists in the country are dangerous, as it is turning a big threat to public advocacy. It is an attempt to cow and silent those who speak against injustice in the public.
The society is sharpened by constructive criticism and that continues attack against right activists by desperate politicians and mischievous persons could hamper negatively on our naughty democracy as the trend is disgusting and inimical. The league of Ijaw Comrades frown at the abduction of Comrade Dennis Banigo. It was recent that one of our Comrades was assassinated in Delta and was buried on June 12. We don’t want a repeat of such a sad experience, hence all hands must be on deck to ensure our brother is released from his abductors unhurt. We are calling on whoever may have abducted him to release him unhurt with immediate effect. As activists, our commitments towards a better society should be appreciated. We need commendation and not abduction as a reward for the selfless services we are rendering for the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region. I urge all critical stakeholders in Rivers State and the entire Ijaw nation to prevail on relevant security authorities in Rivers state to effect the quick release of comrade Dennis Banigo, coordinator of Ijaw People’s Assembly.
