The monarch of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, HRM Clement Ikolo has appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the crisis between his community and the neighbouring Edjekota community of Ogor Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
HRM Ikolo’s appeal was contained in a statement released, Monday, after a violent confrontation between both communities over a longstanding land dispute, which led to the loss of lives and many sustaining serious injuries.
While expressing concern over the issue, the monarch also commiserated with the families of the deceased and injured persons, respectively, even as he called for a peaceful dialogue in finding amicable resolutions to the conflict rather than resorting to violence.
According to HRM Ikolo, ‘’It is with profound sorrow and deep concern that I address you today (Monday) regarding the unfortunate violent clash between our peaceful subjects from Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom and the Edjekota community of Ogor Kingdom.
‘’A longstanding land dispute between two families from our kingdom and Edjekota has been ongoing, despite formal reports to the Nigeria Police about the continued encroachment on our ancestral lands.
‘’Regrettably, this matter took a tragic turn yesterday when the police, acting on our reports, attempted to make lawful arrests and prevent further escalation in Edjekota.
‘’Shockingly, they were met with barricades and forced to retreat to Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, where they requested reinforcements. The subsequent arrival of additional police forces led to a violent confrontation, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of lives and critical injuries.
‘’As your King, the pain of this moment weighs heavily on my heart. I strongly believe that no blood of the Urhobo nation or any Delta State citizen should be shed over land disputes or misunderstandings.
‘’I have personally intervened by reaching out to the Nigeria Police, the King of Ogor Kingdom, and local government authorities to de-escalate the situation and seek immediate intervention.
‘’I now make a public appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme to deploy additional security forces, including the Police and Department of State Services (DSS), to both communities to prevent further loss of life and reprisal attacks.
‘’Furthermore, I urge the State Government to consider constructing an alternative access road for the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, as our current reliance on a single motorable road through Edjekota exposes us to threats of blockade and harassment, rendering our kingdom vulnerable.
‘’To the people of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, I implore you to remain calm, and law-abiding, and refrain from taking the law into your hands. As your King, I assure you that we are working tirelessly with the authorities to bring justice and restore peace.
‘’To the people of Edjekota, let us recognize our shared heritage as children of Delta State and Nigeria. We must prioritize peaceful dialogue over violence and strive for unity and peace in our lands’’, the monarch said.
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