Akassa traditional leader in Bayelsa applauds Navy for arrest of suspected criminals

Akassa traditional leader in Bayelsa applauds Navy for arrest of suspected criminals The traditional ruler of Akassa Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa has commended the Nigerian Navy for arresting suspected criminal elements allegedly terrorising communities in the area.His Royal Highness Moses Kenibara VII, Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, gave the commendation in a statement issued on Thursday in Yenagoa.Kenibara, who is also Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Central Zone, said the operation led to the arrest of a suspected militant leader identified as Sunday and members of his group.He alleged that the group had terrorised Igu-Buo, also known as Cape Formoso Island, and was linked to the killing of Chief Inatimi Ikua in 2025.The community leader described the operation as timely, saying it had brought relief to residents and would help restore lasting peace across Akassa Kingdom.”We commend the discipline, professionalism and commitment of the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy who carried out this operation,” he said.Kenibara urged youths in the kingdom to shun criminal activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood.He warned that crime only leads to destruction and urged young people to pursue hard work, respect for constituted authority and legitimate enterprise.The traditional ruler also dismissed allegations linking the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, to the sponsorship of criminality.He described the claims as baseless, malicious and unfounded, insisting that Ingobere had remained committed to the welfare and development of Akassa Kingdom.According to him, the Speaker has supported residents through educational assistance, medical interventions, housing projects and business empowerment initiatives.Kenibara urged members of the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified and defamatory allegations capable of undermining peace in the area.He said peace had been restored in Hununu Community and neighbouring settlements following the Navy’s intervention.The monarch pledged the continued cooperation of the Akassa Kingdom with security agencies in efforts to sustain peace and combat crime in the area.