The Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Committee and the Okobaro of ancient Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Owahwa II, has condemned the killing of the military officers in the crisis between Okuama Community in Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area and Okoloba Community in Bomadi Local Government Area.
Arising from an emergency meeting of the Traditional Rulers’ Committee at the Palace of the Okobaro of Ancient Ughievwen Kingdom, the Chairman who spoke at the end of the meeting noted that it is painful and regretful that such fine and gallant soldiers who were on a peace mission were ambushed and killed by yet to be identified gunmen and also innocent citizens of both communities that were killed.
The Chairman of the Committee described the incident as not only sad but also barbaric and against the character and nature of the Urhobo people of Nigeria and indeed Deltans.
HRM Owahwa II who sympathized with the families of the murdered soldiers, the Nigerian Army and the families of all innocent victims, however, appealed to all parties involved especially the Army, Okuama and Okoloba Communities to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign.
He appealed to the Military and the warring Communities to allow the State Government led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and manage the crisis. Let all involved rely on Government efforts and decisions in resolving the crisis.
The monarch further implored the Nigerian Military high command to stop their men from invasion and destruction of houses and properties of the communities as this would adversely affect innocent Nigerians and members of the communities that the fallen soldiers were out to protect.
According to the Traditional Rulers in Ughelli South Local Government Area, peace is priceless and a prerequisite for development, so all hands must support efforts at restoring peace to both Communities.
