By; ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
No fewer than eight persons has been reported dead with several others
seriously injured in renewed hostilities between Igbide and Okpolo-Enwhe Communities in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta
State.
AUTHENTIC News Daily gathered that many houses were also razed when the crisis broke out on Tuesday after one of the communities attempted
invasion of the other and in a swift resistance, several persons were
injured and houses also destroyed.
Okpolo Enwhe and Igbide Communities have been at loggerheads over a
disputed land for decades with both sides laying claims of ownership.
In chat with AUTHENTIC News Daily, a source who craved anonymity
said,“We have been maintaining our stand on the order of the state
government, local government, and Isoko Development Union (IDU), but the
other people are not keeping to the order, people when they invaded
our community and we cannot fold our hands to allow them to have it,
it is not possible,”.
The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Malik
Ithiako Ikpokpo described the renewed attacks by both communities
as callous, distasteful and a sad reminder of the loss of common values and sense of brotherhood.
He said, “It is unimaginable injuries and wanton loss of properties.”
“This has regrettably gone beyond a land dispute as precious lives are
daily slaughtered by evil and criminally minded few. Women, children
and elders of both communities have been displaced by the gross
irresponsibility of some renegades. This must stop. Government hereby
for the umpteenth time appeal passionately to both communities for a
ceasefire.”
“The endless panic, tension and large scale destruction over a mere
piece of land is cruel and inhuman. We have fought enough. We have
destroyed enough. Enough is enough”.
He urged indigenes of both communities that have deserted both warring
communities to come back home, saying that, “Government has brought
the situation under control. A combined security team has
been deployed to take absolute security control in both communities.
“Our people are hereby adviced to remain calm, co-operate with the
security agents and go about their normal businesses without fear or
hindrance.”
.“The Isoko South Local Government in collaboration with the Delta
State Government is resolute and determined in implementing the
painstaking recommendations of the all embracing Adhoc Peace Committee
in ensuring the permanent settlement of the protracted land dispute
between both communities.”
It would be recalled that many people were killed and injured with
several properties destroyed in the conflict between the communities
May 2016 despite the intervention of the Delta State government and the chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area.
The Delta State Government in a peaceful agreement had warned both
communities to stay off the disputed area pending when it will come
out with its finding and a lasting solution.
