Gunmen suspected to be involved in illegal crude oil activities have killed Mr Goodnews Manash, the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Igbomotoru 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The attack happened on Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. while Mr Manash was walking to his brother’s house.
He was ambushed behind the community’s school compound.
The Igbomotoru community, known for its oil resources, has a long history of violence involving militants and oil thieves.
Many residents have fled due to repeated internal conflicts.
A local leader who chose to remain anonymous said the attackers likely entered the community through a forest path, avoiding military checkpoints set up along the waterways.
The source noted that these gunmen, previously driven out of the area by the army, might have been seeking revenge.
According to the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Ayibaikie Aseimighen Ofongo, he was first informed that the CDC chairman had been kidnapped, but by daybreak, it was confirmed that Mr Manash had been murdered.
The monarch stated that official statements would be made after internal meetings are held within the community.
The Press Secretary to the chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Dr Ayibaetare Easterday, also confirmed the killing.
He clarified that Mr Manash was not killed in his own home but near another compound. Dr Easterday condemned the killing, stressing that such acts tarnish the image of the community and should never happen again.
He urged residents to seek peace and tolerance instead of resorting to violence, as everyone in the community is like family.
