By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—Bayelsa State Government has announced the setting up of a commercial security outfit known as the Izon-Ibe Security Company Limited to protect state owned assets and oil facilities in the creeks and waterways of the eight local government areas of the state.

According to the state government, the company is expected to employ the services of over 20,000 youths in the coastal and upland communities of the state to protect crude oil pipelines from vandals and illegal bunkerers.

The new company, according to a statement, yesterday, by the Chief Press Secretary  to the state governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has the former President of the Pan Ijaw socio-political organisation, the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Mr. Joshua Fumudoh, as Chairman.

Also on the board of the security outfit are Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga (rtd), the Special Adviser to the state governor on Security Matters,  Lt. Col. Bernard Kenebai (rtd), Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) and the President of  Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, worldwide, Mr. Udengs Eradiri.

The former Chairman of Bayelsa State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Chief James Jephthah, is to serve as its Managing Director.