Nigerian leaders call for probes into deadly violence in Rivers and Taraba

The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, has demanded an investigation into the deaths of 10 people in the Kula waterways of Rivers State. The incident reportedly involved a confrontation between host community members and an oil vessel belonging to the Ibeto Group. The deceased were members of local fishing settlements who had raised concerns regarding waterway pollution, compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, and unpaid local vendor fees.

In response, the NYCN has announced plans for a 21-day protest involving approximately 51,000 youths to demand justice. Sukubo has urged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to establish an investigative panel to determine the circumstances of the deaths.

Separately, the Northern Senators Forum has called for a thorough investigation into a bandit attack in the Binari community of Taraba State, which left at least 26 people dead. The victims included women, children, and Muslim worshippers following Juma’at prayers. Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the forum, urged security agencies to arrest those responsible and called for increased security presence, including a Forward Operating Base, along the River Benue corridor.