Tension has erupted in Okpoama Kingdom, Brass Local Government Area, after armed thugs stormed the Chiefs Council meeting and disrupted proceedings.
According to SaharaReporters, the attack happened at the community town hall. The thugs were allegedly loyal to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, who lost the Chiefs Council elections in April 2025.
Coordinated Attack Alleged
Chiefs who attended described the invasion as “pre-planned and well-coordinated.” Witnesses claimed the attackers met at a local hotel before striking. They also alleged that mobile networks in Okpoama were deliberately shut down to block distress calls.
A source confirmed in Yenagoa that the council had scheduled its second meeting for August 28 and 29, 2025. Armed youths disrupted the session and forced members to disperse.
The source revealed that a faction loyal to Sylva tried to stop the meeting earlier. They pressured the Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr. Idu, to declare it a security threat. Police initially agreed but reversed the order the next morning.
Despite police deployment, hostile youths—identified as Tantita Security workers from nearby communities—locked the town hall. Witnesses said the action came on the orders of Chief Dautibi Okolai-Eric, CDC Chairman and a known ally of Sylva.
Fearing violence, the Chiefs moved the meeting to the private home of Council Chairman, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienagha. However, another directive reportedly came from Abuja, instructing the mob to storm the new venue.
Days later, a viral video circulated online. It showed three men leading suspected thugs into Egba-Dienagha’s residence. The footage captured property damage as the meeting was violently disrupted.
Residents expressed shock. They questioned why security operatives present in the community failed to secure either the town hall or the Chairman’s home. Chiefs also said repeated calls to divisional police officers and a Joint Task Force commander went unanswered.
Suspect Arrested and Freed
Security operatives later arrested one suspect, identified as Jarule, who appeared in the viral footage. Witnesses alleged that Regent High Chief Paul Briggs Omubo-Suobagha ordered his release. Some community members accused the Regent of complicity.
Chiefs Await Police Findings
Council Chairman, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienagha, confirmed the attack on his residence. He refused to name anyone as responsible, stressing he was waiting for the outcome of the police investigation.
