By: Ovedhe Jerry.
Eight persons have been confirmed dead, while others severally injured in the renewed hostilities between two warring Igbide and Okpolo-Enwhe communities in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The aged long boundary dispute took another dimension on Sunday as several persons were injured and many houses were razed.
Okpolo Enwhe and Igbide communities have been at loggerhead over disputed land for decades laying claims of ownership.
It would be recalled that as at last year May, 2016, lives, houses and properties worth millions of naira were lost in the conflict 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
A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that crisis erupted last Sunday when one of the communities had tried to invade the other and in a swift resistance, several persons were injured and houses also destroyed
“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 were in church on Sunday when they invaded our community and we cannot fold our hands to allow them to have it, it is not possible,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon Malik Ithiako Ikpokpo has described the renewed attack on both communities that have led to unimaginable injuries and wanton loss of properties, “ as callous, distasteful, and a sad reminder of the loss of our common values and sense of brotherhood.”
“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”. Ikpokpo said.
He however 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.”
