HON P.C AJOH EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE OVER THE RECENT ENCROACHMENT ON ILLAH LAND BY SOME AKWUKWU INDIGENES

Hon P.C Ajoh,the S.A to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on community liaison has expressed great displeasure over yesterday foiled attempt by some Akwukwu Igbo indigenes to forcefully takeover Illah land around the Iyi Egbu axis.

Addressing a meeting of Illah people and a delegation led by Dr Ben Iwezu,a former Delta State commissioner on Chieftaincy affairs today at the ogbeleani's Palace in Illah, Hon Ajoh stated that Illah and Akwukwu only shares a common boundary after Ani Nwalo in a location called Ogwu Odo,the S.A said it was out place for some Akwukwu people to bypass Ani Nwalo,a settlers village between Akwukwu and Illah and trespass into Illah land while hiding under the guise of acquiring it for Delta State for agricultural purpose.

He added that Illah and Akwukwu has co existed peacefully for many years without boundary issues,he also noted that Illah is a peaceful community but the recent encouragement into their land is capable of breading communal clashes with their trespassing neigbour.

Concluding,Hon Ajoh said that Illah community is not against any government legitimate intention to acquire land for agricultural purpose,had it been that it followed due process of consulting directly with Ndi Illah that owns such land and if they(govt and the people) agreed terms,they may make it available to them for use,but in this case Illah people were not consulted before attempt to take their land,he then advised Dr Iwezu's delegation that Illah community is presently not convinced about their claim of acting on behalf of government, he therefore asked them to desist from further attempt to take over Illah land forcefully in the guise of acquiring it for Delta State government, he emphasized that further encouragement is capable of creating tension that may affect peace in the area especially now that we are approaching electioneering period.