The Bayelsa State Government has expressed joy over the safe return of about 300 indigenes of Peremabiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
They were forced to relocate from the area in the heat of the violence that trailed the December 5 2015 gubernatorial elections.
The over 300 indigenes fled from the community following wide spread violence that erupted there.
The violence in the community led to the shooting of the then Paramount Ruler, Progress Never-Die, by suspected hoodlums.
But luck came his way as he was flown abroad by the state government for medical attention.
The returnees who were camped by the state government since 2015, however returned to their community on Saturday amidst fanfare as they rejoiced and danced applauding the government for all it did for them.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in a statement, issued in Yenagoa, on behalf of the state government, said that their safe return signalled the dawn of peace to the once troubled community.
He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Seriake Dickson for providing a safe place in Yenagoa for the displaced persons and picking up all their bills for almost two years. According to him, the governor demonstrated the commitment of a leader who is passionate about the welfare of his people.
The Commissioner also thanked security agents for restoring the peace of the community and charged them to maintain it, calling on the people of Peremabiri to work towards building a strong bond of unity, tolerance and love.
Iworiso-Markson urged them not to allow their community to go through such a dark moment again because of the interest of few persons, stressing that it was time to move forward and support the efforts of the government.
“Now that the once displaced persons have safely returned to their community and are integrated, it is time for members of the community to work towards maintaining peace and stability. For us as a government we have done our part and we will continue to do the needful.
“We thank His Excellency, Governor Seriake Dickson for his support to the people and also security agents for the role they played leading to the return of the people. This government is all about peace, security and the welfare of our people,” he said.