A concerned citizen, Mr Powedei Debekeme, has called on the Bayelsa State Government to urgently reinforce security around its borders and forests amid fears that terrorist elements could be moving southwards.
In a statement on Monday, Debekeme warned that the state could become a potential refuge for fleeing insurgents, following reports of a planned United States (US) military offensive against terrorist networks in Nigeria.
He observed that the ongoing pressure from the US government and the possible closure of neighbouring borders might push Boko Haram fighters and armed herdsmen towards the southern region, making Bayelsa a likely destination.
"Bayelsa must not take chances. Some herdsmen have already been occupying parts of our forests and occasionally attacking farmers and villagers in a terroristic manner. The state government must act before things escalate," Debekeme said.
He urged authorities to deploy security personnel to strategic entry points and forested areas to monitor suspicious movements and prevent infiltration.
Debekeme stressed the need for vigilance and proactive security measures, describing the situation as a national concern that requires immediate attention.
"We must as a state know that, the US has a very powerful military intelligence and we should not be caught in the web because of probably government ignorance or gross mistakes," he said.
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