From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and security chiefs yesterday held an emergency security meeting to discuss the activities of Adaka Boro Avengers (ABA) and other militant groups posing in the Niger Delta region.
ABA had aborted plans to declare a Niger Delta Republic yesterday after it claimed former president Goodluck Jonathan, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and other Ijaw leaders prevailed on its members not to go ahead with the declaration.
Defence Headquarters had deployed massive security personnel to Kaiama community, Kolokuma/Opokuma, the supposed headquarters of the yet-to-be declared republic.
Dickson had been at the forefront of those championing for dialogue between the Federal Government and the militants to resolve the problem, as a military option would escalate the crisis.
Sources at the meeting said while security strategies to combat the threat of militants were discussed, Dickson assured the security chiefs of cooperation from the state government in the fight to enthrone peace.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Dickson asked political and opinion leaders across the state and the Niger Delta to cooperate with the security agencies in their efforts at maintaining peace, law and order.
He also urged youths of the region to be law-abiding and implore them to channel their grievances through the relevant organs of the government.
Dickson, who called for continued collaboration between the government and the people of the region at ensuring lasting peace and development, enjoined the various security agencies to collaborate with the government in sustaining the existing peace and security in the state.