By Felix Ekwu
After the death of two persons in the renewed hostilities between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities of Udu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State on Friday, the feuding communities Saturday agreed to a peace deal.
Recall that Friday’s renewed clash between both communities over boundary demarcation claimed the life of 36 years old Frank Amakiri, an indigene of Ogbe-Ijoh community and one other person.
Following the development, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali on Saturday had a conflict resolution meeting with the leaders of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities at the Government House Annex in Warri.
The peace meeting anchored by the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor had in attendance the Chairman of Warri South West Local Government, Hon Taiye Duke Tuoyo and the Vice Council Chairman of Udu Local Government, Mrs Eloho Awinoron.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe in a statement said, “During the meeting, both communities expressed their displeasure over the ongoing land demarcation crisis that has led to the death of one Frank Amakiri aged 36yrs old and one other.
“Though none of the communities took responsibility for the incident, they both admitted that peace is critical for both communities to progress and they don’t want to leave the crisis for their children to inherit. The special adviser to the Governor on peacebuilding and conflict resolution noted that the State Government will compensate those who have lost some part of their properties as a result of the ongoing boundary demarcation before the commencement of the next phase of the demarcation.
“The Commissioner of Police noted that any further escalation of the crisis between both communities will not be treated with levity and whoever is found wanting will be duly prosecuted. The CP assured them that at the end of the ongoing investigation, those behind the incident will have their day in court. Both communities came to a truce and signed a peace Accord.”
