In a bid to address the recent tragic events in Okuama and Okoloba communities along the Forcados Rivers in Delta State, the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo (Council of Urhobo Traditional Rulers) and the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) worldwide have jointly called on the Delta State government to establish an Independent Truth Commission.
The commission’s purpose would be to thoroughly investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the Okuama/Okoloba crisis, as well as other related incidents, with the ultimate goal of finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflicts.
The call for the establishment of a Truth Commission was one of the key demands put forth by the executive committees of the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo and UPU during a meeting held at the Uvwie Palace in Effurun, Delta State. The statement outlining the demands was signed and read by HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1, JP. OON, the Ovie of Kingdom, and Chief Ese Gam Owe, the UPU President-General.
Expressing deep sorrow and regret over the tragic events that unfolded in Okuama, the royal fathers emphasized the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incidents that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property in the affected communities. They extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased officers and soldiers, as well as to the innocent civilians who were affected by the violence and displacement.
The statement further indicated that the Urhobo nation stands united in seeking justice, accountability, and a durable resolution to the conflicts that have plagued the region. The call for the establishment of a Truth Commission underscores the community’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the recent violence and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the Delta State government deliberates on the demands put forth by the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo and UPU, the hope is that the proposed Truth Commission will serve as a critical step towards healing wounds, promoting reconciliation, and fostering peace and stability in the affected communities.
“We call on all parties to the impasse to sheathe their swords. Two wrongs cannot make a right. Killings and counter-killings and/or arson is not and never a solution. All parties must give peace a chance.
“We call on President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to prevail on the Nigerian Army to honour a round-table discussion that may be inaugurated by the Delta State Government to avoid future occurrence
“We call on our Ijaw Traditional Rulers to join hands with us their colleagues, Urhobo Traditional Rulers to work for sustainable peace on the Forcados Rivers particularly between the aged-long neighbours of Urhobo and Ijaw communities to achieve sustainable peace in the area
“We wish to state that the Urhobo people are peace loving people who have been living in peace with their Ijaw neighbours from time immemorial. We remain committed to sustaining the peace, despite the unfortunate incident of the recent past,” the statement reads.
