Nigerian singer Timaya has opened up about his personal connection to the 1999 Odi massacre in Bayelsa State, describing the devastating impact the military operation had on the predominantly Ijaw community.

Speaking about the incident, Timaya revealed that his mother owned a bakery in Odi that supplied bread to surrounding villages before the attack occurred. "It [Odi] was part of me, too, because my mum had a bakery in the village and was supplying the whole villages... It was the village that was attacked," he explained.

The singer described the emotional toll of the massacre, which was reportedly carried out by the Nigerian Army on government orders. "It's very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things and history. You know when the government just says 'go and shoot these people down'," Timaya stated.

Timaya's 2007 hit song "Dem Mama" chronicled the Odi massacre, bringing wider attention to the tragedy. "I sang about it [the massacre]. That is the most I can do. I told the story, how they sent the military to burn down the village," he said.

The artist's musical tribute to the victims and survivors earned him recognition in his home state. "I narrated my story and it helped me to get an impact. I became the voice, which they gave me the title of the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa State. That is the mouthpiece of the people," Timaya added.

The Odi massacre occurred in November 1999, just months after Nigeria's return to democratic rule. The military operation, which resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction, remains one of the most controversial incidents in Nigeria's recent history.

Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Timaya Odon, has established himself as one of Nigeria's most successful musicians since releasing "Dem Mama" and continues to use his platform to address social issues affecting his community.