The Bayelsa Government has gathered leaders of most communities in the state, saying they are not in support of any militant group and will do their best to ensure they are brought to book.
This is in view of the downward slide of the economy due to the dwindling export of crude oil, occasioned by the vandalisation of some pipelines by suspected militants in the Niger Delta.
Bayelsa state is of one the oil producing states in the country and is also the epicentre of the Niger Delta and its struggle.
To strengthen its internal security, Governor Seriake Dickson in two separate meetings with traditional leaders, community development chairmen and heads of all security agencies in the state, mapped out strategies to put an end to the increased spate of insecurity within the state.
In separate meetings with heads of oil companies operating between the territories of the state, the issue of kidnapping was also handled as the governor announced the criminalization of any form of negotiation with these militant who partake in hostage taking and kidnapping.
With a consensus reached that militancy can be conquered from within, participants at the meeting offered advice on tactics to be employed in curbing pipeline vandalism and kidnapping.
The aim of the meeting is to find a way to jointly fight against militancy and keep Bayelsa State safe.
