Despite the nasty decision the Delta State governor, Mr
Ifeanyi Okowa said the state government would take to restore peace to
Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja Communities in Warri South West and Udu local government
areas of the state, both communities have resumed hostilities.
It was gathered that in a renewed conflict, a mobile
policeman and several others sustained various degrees of injuries when the
communities clashed over the ownership of the disputed land.
The governor had earlier warned strictly that in the
interim, both communities should stay clear of the disputed land as security
agencies would remain in the disputed area pending when all issues are resolved
as a way of preventing further break down of law and order.
Hear him, “Government will not shy away from taking
decisions that may not be palatable if the need arise,” the governor said,
emphasizing, “it is our duty to preach peace, we must be careful about the type
of communities we leave for our children because, any father or mother who
wants to leave a crisis-ridden community is not worthy to be one.” the governor
stated.
“I have always said that in any dispute, there must be give
and take for the best resolution to be achieved and I want to thank you
(members of the committee) for the reports as presented, we will study them and
take right decisions for a lasting solution to be proffered on the crisis”.
The governor urge both communities to maintain the existing
peace, even as he decried the murder of some persons in the area as a result of
the crisis and disclosed that the murder cases would continue in the courts of
law and assured that the law would take its course in granting bails to
arrested community leaders.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Zanna
Mohammed Ibrahim, has warned armed youths of Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities
to lay down their arms or security agents would have no other option than to
unleash the full weight of the law against them.
The Police boss lamented why the people of the affected
areas could not appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the State Government,
the police and other security agents towards restoring lasting peace to the two
communities.
While noting that security has been reinforced, leading to
the restoration of peace, in the affected areas, the CP called on the
belligerent youths to drop their arms forthwith and embrace the path of peace.
The Police boss warned that the Command would not condone
any attack on security personnel and law abiding citizens of the areas
henceforth, reiterating that enough is enough
Governor Okowa had on May 25, 2016 inaugurated the committee
with Professor Abednego Ekoko as Chairman, Mr. F.O. Osiawa, Surveyor General,
Mr. J.N Ogabu, Asst. Surveyor-General, as members and Mr. Ernest Edomwonyi,
Legal Counsel served as Secretary, while Mr. Paulson Okobiebi and Elder
Stephenson Lerhovwre were (Aladja Community Representatives) and Mr. Denbofa
Oweikpodor, Mr. Franklyn Igangan were (Ogbe-Ijaw Community Representatives).
It was alleged before now that Okowa and his Deputy, Mr.
Kingsley Otuaro who is an Ijaw man by tribe were already taking sides with the
people of Ogbe-Ijoh against the Aladja people who are of the Urhobo extraction.
Professor Abednego Ekoko led Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh crisis
committee has since submitted its reports to Governor Okowa at government house
Asaba.
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