The Ijaw National Congress worldwide has distanced itself from assertions made by Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), regarding purported retaliatory actions against the Nigerian Army.

This declaration comes in the wake of a tragic incident where at least 15 military personnel lost their lives during a communal clash over a land dispute in Bomadi and Okuoma communities within the state.

The military personnel, affiliated with the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were responding to a distress call when they were ambushed and fatally attacked on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Despite rumors of potential reprisals by the military, the Army has refuted such claims, clarifying that 20 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.

Simon Ekpa, identified among the 96 suspects declared wanted by the Defense Headquarters for terrorism, allegedly threatened reprisal actions against the Army and advocated for a sit-at-home protest in Delta and Bayelsa states.

However, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), through its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, emphasized its condemnation of the attack on the military and the tragic loss of 17 soldiers at Okuama community in Delta State.

The INC denounced these actions as barbaric, lamentable, and utterly regrettable, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Furthermore, the organization firmly dissociated itself from IPOB’s proposed retaliatory measures, asserting that such actions were not in the best interests of the Ijaw nation.

The INC urged all Ijaw individuals to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing that these planned actions did not reflect the collective will of the Ijaw people.