By Our Correspondent

National News – Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has sacked the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, following renewed violent clashes that have led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

The state government also dissolved the community’s council of chiefs, the community development committee, and the youth leadership body as part of emergency peace restoration measures.

The decision was announced at the Government House in Yenagoa after days of tension in the oil-rich community, which prompted a dusk-to-dawn curfew and security deployment.

The governor’s action follows a violent clash on Tuesday in Ogboinbiri community, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State, which reportedly claimed lives and triggered widespread arson and displacement.

Governor Diri said repeated peace efforts over the past two to three years had failed despite committees, traditional interventions, and meetings with stakeholders.

He directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to constitute an interim administration to manage community affairs until normalcy returns.

Security agencies, including the police, have been ordered to arrest perpetrators and ensure prosecution.

He also warned that government patience had been exhausted due to recurring crises in the area.

Diri emphasized that Ogboinbiri, an oil-producing community, must embrace peace, warning that the state will not tolerate further violence.

He noted that earlier reconciliation attempts failed and stressed that the community’s internal conflict had become prolonged and destructive.

He added that residents must desist from violence over resource-related disputes, saying the government would not hesitate to enforce law and order to restore stability.

Security deployment has been intensified across riverine routes to prevent further escalation, while community leaders are urged to support reconciliation efforts and avoid misinformation that could worsen tensions.

The state government reaffirmed the dusk-to-dawn curfew and said the interim committee will oversee governance of the community pending restoration of peace and stability, while urging residents to cooperate with security agencies.

Authorities said arrests will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.