As the Evwreni Crisis Resolution and Peace Committee seeks ways to permanent peace in Evwreni, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, women in the locality at the weekend staged a peaceful protest condemning the continued arrests, abductions, killings and destruction of properties in the community.
The women numbering over two hundred had marched through the streets of Evwereni before blocking part of the ever-busy East-West road, to send in their messages to authorities at both local, state and federal levels.
The leaves and placards carrying protesting women condemned the level of destruction of properties, kidnapping and killings in the community, stressing that all they were asking for, is the return of security and permanent peace in Evwreni.
They also raised concerns over the incessant arrests of innocent individuals in the community, allegedly being orchestrated by one of the prominent indigenes of Evwreni who is using his money and connections in the police force to perpetuate the worrisome act.
The women who spoke, including Mrs Arthur Atiri, Ararivwode Jumor, Oboghenetero Okome, Elohor Abrigo, Precious Okuah, and Edirin Abiola, unequivocally condemned the unending crisis and called on gladiators in the imbroglio to sheathe their sword and embrace peace.
They expressed sadness that two days after the peace committee met with the Governor, one Okwa Ogheneruemu a younger brother to the Vigilante Chairman who died in police custody, was abducted along Ughelli Patani road and was allegedly handed over to the police.
The protesting women spoke against a repeat of such in the community, maintaining that the protest was to further efforts to stop such arrests that are fueling more crisis.
The people in one voice explained that what was most needed in Evwreni is development, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
It will be recalled that the Evwreni Crisis Resolution and Peace Committee had last week
met with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, with an appeal to set up a Judicial panel of enquiry to look into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in Evwreni.
The Committee led by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor were in Government House, Asaba as part of efforts to bring to an amicable end to the crisis that had bedevilled the community over time.