The Bille Kingdom Chiefs Council has appealed to the Federal Government, 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.
At 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. He warned that if any attack occurs, the people of Bille would defend themselves.
“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, alleged surveillance activities linked to Asari Dokubo’s group were observed earlier in the year. On January 8 and 9, 2025, armed men in gunboats reportedly patrolled Dabira, Touma, Jike-Ama, and Emmanuel-Ama, peaceful communities in Bille Kingdom filming the area and behaving in a manner locals found intimidating.
The tension escalated further on July 12, 2025, when men identified as members of Asari Dokubo’s “Amama Soldiers” reportedly stormed Dabira community, threatening to raze it down and ordering residents to vacate their homes.
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The Bille Chiefs alleged that Dokubo’s group is mobilizing arms and unlawfully recruiting youths with the intention of launching a full-scale invasion of Bille communities, aiming to forcibly take over ancestral lands. They warned that such actions resemble attacks experienced nearly 25 years ago, which resulted in widespread loss of lives, displacement, and 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 recalled.
The council also expressed concern over alleged claims by members of the Amama group that they have the backing of the DSS, a perception the Chiefs warned could damage the credibility of the security agency.
“We respectfully urge the DSS to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional duties and to ensure its name is not associated rightly or wrongly with activities that threaten national peace and security,” the statement added.
The Bille Kingdom Chiefs made four key appeals:
Federal Government – To launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported incidents and prevent further conflict.
Rivers State Government and DSS – To uphold justice and protect all communities irrespective of political or traditional affiliations.
Kalabari Leaders– To call Alhaji Asari Dokubo to order before his actions destabilize the region.
international Community and Civil Society – To closely monitor the situation and support efforts to ensure 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,” Chiefs concluded.
