Army, Bayelsa government, youths unite for peace at Marathon run

The Commandant, 16th Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, yesterday, led other security agencies in Bayelsa State to participate in a peace marathon ahead of the general elections.

The race organised by I Run For Peace Initiative (IFPI) in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth, was to douse tension following security concerns.

Scores of physically challenged persons, youths, government officials and residents ran the 12km marathon, which began at the Tombia roundabout Yenagoa and terminated at the Peace Park, opposite the Government House, Onopa.

Cash awards were given to winners in various categories with the16th Brigade donating N200, 000 to support the physically challenged.

The State Commissoner for Youths, Udengs Eradiri commended the military and other security agencies for supporting peace during the election.

Aligbe, on his part commended the state government for initiating programmes to discourage youth engagement in violence, noting that they would make the job of the military easier in the region.