Advocacy group Partnership Advocacy for Sustainable Society (PASS) is urging the Federal Government to take action and deliver justice after a violent attack on Abu Joseph, an employee of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and the Akamama community in Bayelsa State. At a press briefing in Abuja, PASS Convener, Lion Adebayo, condemned the ongoing attacks by gunmen believed to be security personnel working with private surveillance companies. These attacks have caused severe destruction, including the loss of Joseph’s property and the displacement of many residents.
Adebayo revealed that Joseph, who serves as the head of operations at the Lagosgbene Camp, has been subjected to multiple hardships, including the denial of his salary. This has caused him significant trauma. During the most recent assault, gunmen, allegedly wearing military uniforms, attacked his home using military gunboats. They destroyed Joseph’s buildings and valuable property, leaving his family homeless. The destruction has also led to the displacement of his staff and aides.
This attack follows a similar incident just ten days earlier, further escalating the tension and economic hardship in the Akamama community. The continuous violence has disrupted daily life, halting socio-economic activities in the region, and forcing many residents—women, men, and children—to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Adebayo stressed that these assaults have become a regular occurrence, with no intervention from the Federal Government. He called on both the government and the owners of the surveillance companies to address the issue. PASS is demanding an end to the attacks, compensation for the victims, payment of withheld salaries, and the protection of the Akamama community’s human rights. The group also appealed to human rights organizations and the international community for condemnation of the violence and support for the displaced victims.
Without immediate action, Adebayo warned that the Akamama community could be at risk of complete destruction from these unprovoked attacks.
