By Ovedhe Jerry
ABOUT two persons were recently, feared dead, several others injured and about seven buildings burnt in renewed hostilities between youths of Igbide and Okpolo-Enwhe communities, both in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State over a disputed piece of land.
The neighboring communities, it was gathered, have been embroiled in an age long boundary dispute, resulting in an unfriendly relation between indigenes of the communities.
“The case has been in court for over 40 years and the leadership of the two communities has over the years tried to set up peace communities to resolve the dispute to no avail,” source close to the communities said.
The source who craved anonymity said yesterday’s crisis “was triggered by allegations that youths from Okpolo-Enwhe numbering 15 attacked a man that lives close to the disputed boundary, vandalizing his building and was forced to flee into the bush with his family.
“On getting wind of the development, some Igbide youths came out and tried to retaliate and in the process, one person was killed while several others were wounded. Another person is also said to have been killed but so far, he has not been found.”
Meanwhile, two cars belonging to the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon Malik Ikpokpo and his supervising councilor on Environment, Hon. Samson Idume who were on a peace mission in the two communities, was allegedly vandalized and the chairman driver brutally injured by youths of Okpolo-Enwhe Community.
Contacted the media aide to the council boss, Mr Akpotha Okah Fedelis, confirmed the attacked and said that the Council boss has informed the State government and efforts are being made to restore peace and unity to the two communities involved
.As at the time of filing this report, residents of the two communities have begun to relocate from the areas to neighbouring communities.
Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Celestina Kalu, said no death had been confirmed, adding that the situation was under control. He also said, three police patrol teams from Ozoro, Otor-Owhe and Ughelli B division and armies had been deployed to the communities to avoid break down of law and order.
