Detailed information on the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is contained in the Human Rights report, Nigeria: Crackdown in the Niger Delta of May 1999, pages 4-13.

The IYC seems to have different leaders in the states where Ijaws live. Oronto Dauglas is mentioned as the IYC in the Niger-Delta (P.M 3 Mar. 1999), and Pere Camfo is reportedly the leader in Ondo state (Xinhua News 3 Aug. 1999).

An 8 November P.M. report states that Ijaw youths kidnapped the Area Commander of Police in Yenagoa, Beylsa, Lagos state, and six other police men belonging to the Yoruba tribe and would have killed them if the president of the IYC, Felex Tuodolo had not intervened. However, the Post Express Wired of 12 November 1999 reports that the policemen were eventually killed. The incident followed renewed fighting between the Ilajes and the Ijaws in Ajegule, Bayelsa (Radio Nigeria-Kaduna 31 Oct. 1999; Post Express Wired 12 Nov. 1999). The clash reportedly resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira (Nigerian currency) (ibid.; PM News 8 Nov. 1999).

For additional information on the Ijaw and the conflicts in Nigeria, please consult NGA32676.E of 14 September 1999 and several other Responses on the topic.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

P.M. News [Lagos]. 8 November 1999. Casmir Igbokwe. 8 November 1999. "Ijaw/OPC Latest 7 Cops Kidnapped." (NEXIS)

_____. 3 August 1999. "50 Killed in Renewed Nigerian Ethnic Clash." (NEXIS)

_____. 3 March 1999. Casmir Igbokwe. 3 March 1999. "Ijaw Youths Vow To Fight Obasanjo." (NEXIS)

Post Express Wired [Ikeja]. 11 November 1999. "The Police's Waterloo in Bayelsa." http://www.postexpresswired.com.po...Ocd?OpenDocument&highlight=2, Ijaws[Accessed: 12 Nov.1999]

Radio Nigeria-Kaduna [in English]. 31 October 1999. "Five People Killed in State Inter-communal Clash." (BBB Summary 2 Nov. 1999/NEXIS)