By Katherine Abayomi
The Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council has called on the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently intervene and prevent an alleged planned attack on Bille communities by His Royal Highness Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo and members of his Amama group.
Addressing a press briefing, the Public Relations Officer of the Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council, Alabo Boma Dappa, said the council could no longer remain silent in the face of growing threats, warning that the people of Bille would defend themselves if attacked.
“The good people of the ancient Bille Kingdom wish to draw the urgent attention of the Nigerian Government, the Rivers State Government, the DSS, the media, and the international community to recent developments that threaten the peace and stability of our communities,” Dappa stated.
According to the council, surveillance activities allegedly linked to Asari Dokubo’s group were observed earlier this year. On January 8 and 9, 2025, gunboats carrying armed men were reportedly seen patrolling the peaceful communities of Dabira, Touma, Jike-Ama, and Emmanuel-Ama, filming the area and exhibiting intimidating behavior.
Tensions heightened further on July 12, 2025, when individuals identified as members of Dokubo’s Amama Soldiers reportedly stormed Dabira community, threatening to burn it down and ordering residents to vacate their homes.
The Bille Chiefs alleged that Dokubo’s group is amassing weapons and unlawfully recruiting youths to launch a full-scale invasion of Bille communities in an attempt to seize ancestral lands. They warned that such actions echoed the violence experienced nearly 25 years ago, when a similar attack reportedly led to loss of lives, displacement, and widespread destruction.
“It is a painful reminder that HRH Asari Dokubo, then leader of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), carried out a similar violent campaign against Bille communities during the 2000 crisis,” Dappa said.
The council also expressed concern over alleged claims by members of the Amama group that they have the backing of the DSS, noting that such statements could harm the credibility of the security agency.
“We respectfully urge the DSS to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional duties and ensure its name is not associated, rightly or wrongly, with activities that threaten national peace and security,” the council stated.
The Bille Kingdom Chiefs urged the Federal Government to launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported incidents and take immediate steps to prevent further conflict. They called on the Rivers State Government and the DSS to uphold justice and protect all communities regardless of political or traditional affiliations.
They also appealed to Kalabari leaders to call Alhaji Asari Dokubo to order to prevent further destabilization of the region and urged the international community and civil society organizations to closely monitor the situation and support efforts for peace and justice.
“Bille Kingdom is committed to peaceful coexistence, but we will not cede one inch of our God-given ancestral land. We seek peace, not oppression; we seek justice, but are ready to defend our rights,” the chiefs concluded.
