The Bonny Gentlemen’s League has condemned the violent incident that occurred in Finima Community, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, describing the development as a serious threat to peace, unity and brotherhood in the community.
In a statement dated September 7, 2026, the League described the incident as “shocking,” “lamentable” and deeply sorrowful, expressing concern that the violence disrupted the traditional spirit of Fongu-Mini, a cherished period associated with rest, celebration, fellowship and communal bonding.
According to the organisation, Fongu-Mini traditionally provides a period when fishermen return home due to unfavourable weather and tidal conditions, allowing families and members of the community to reconnect and celebrate together.
The League said the violent incident was particularly troubling because it occurred within a period traditionally associated with peace, togetherness and brotherhood.
It described the attack as a serious assault on the peace and unity of Finima Community and Bonny Kingdom, warning that such incidents could reopen tensions that had previously been resolved.
“The League views the attack as a serious assault on the peace and unity of the people of Finima Community in particular and Bonny Kingdom in general,” the statement said.
It urged all parties connected to the conflict to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue, stressing that the interconnected nature of families in Finima makes violence particularly damaging to the social fabric of the community.
The League noted that families in Finima are linked through marriage, blood and kinship, arguing that the continuation of hostilities could have consequences far beyond the immediate parties involved.
It also warned against the involvement of what it described as “external miscreants,” alleging that such individuals could exploit existing disagreements to sow division and chaos among members of the same community.
The organisation consequently appealed to all parties to prioritise reconciliation over confrontation and to seek peaceful avenues for resolving their differences.
The League commended the intervention of the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Abinye Blessing Pepple, saying his intervention helped prevent further escalation of the situation and what it described as a possible catastrophe.
However, it called for more proactive measures by relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence of violence in Finima.
The Bonny Gentlemen’s League also commended the security agencies for their intervention, while urging them to adopt a more proactive and vigilant approach towards emerging threats to peace in the community.
Beyond maintaining security presence, the organisation called for an unbiased and impartial investigation into the August 22 incident, stressing that justice must be served for all concerned.
The League further appealed to the leadership of the Bonny Kingdom Traditional Institution to intervene as “fathers of the land” and explore genuine, dispassionate and sustainable ways of resolving the dispute between the parties.
It urged the traditional leadership to provide a platform where the underlying issues could be addressed without prejudice, recrimination or further escalation.
The organisation’s strongest appeal, however, was directed at the parties involved in the Finima conflict, whom it urged to return to the negotiating table for dialogue, reconciliation and restoration of lasting peace.
It stressed that the objective should not merely be to end the immediate confrontation, but to rebuild relationships and prevent a recurrence of violence.
The League said lasting peace in Finima would ultimately depend on the willingness of the parties to recognise their shared heritage and embrace brotherly love.
“Genuine peace can only be achieved when brotherly love is embraced,” it stated.
The statement was signed by Amaopusenibo Barr. Torudoghubo D. Jamaica, Chairman, Current and National Affairs Committee; Dr. Victor Ibigoni Jumbo, Registrar, Bonny Gentlemen’s League; and Warisenibo Kalada Dublin Green, Chancellor, Bonny Gentlemen’s League.
The League’s intervention comes amid renewed calls for peace and reconciliation in Finima following the August 22 violence, with stakeholders expected to focus on preventing further escalation and restoring confidence among members of the community.
