The Urhobo Youth Leaders’ Association (UYLA) has lent support to the effort of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) in resolving the lingering boundary feud between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State.
Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area shares boundary with her Ogbe-Ijoh neighbour in Warri South-West Local Government Area.
Recall that a 7-man delegation of the UPU led by its 1st Vice President, Chief Isaac Itebu, had on Monday, August 7, 2023, during a visit to Udu Kingdom and Aladja community to ascertain the extent of damages appealed for a cessation of hostilities between the two warring communities over a boundary dispute that has claimed lives and property destroyed over the past decades.
Rising from an emergency meeting which took place on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Don Chisel Hotel, Oguname-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area, the Urhobo Youth Leaders’ Association (UYLA) after extensive deliberation in a press release on Friday, condemned in strong terms the resurgence of fatal hostilities between Aladja and neighbouring Ogbe-Ijoh communities.
The press release was signed by the UYLA President, Olorogun (Amb) Samuel Onoriode Oghotomo, Secretary, Olorogun Augustine Ogheneovo Atiti, Media Director, Comr Moses Darah and Spokesman, Comrade Tennyson Orhiunu.
The group expressed its condolences to individuals and families who have lost loved ones in the prolonged crisis and commended the President General of UPU, Chief (Barr) Ese Gam Owe for the prompt steps in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
iv) UYLA reiterated its total support for the UPU’s Committee led by the 1st Deputy Vice President, Barr. Isaac Itebu and 3rd Deputy Vice President, Chief (Dr) Ominimini Obiuwevbi to promote peace and resolve the crisis between the Aladja people and their Ogbe-Ijoh neighbours.
The Association urged the Delta State Government to implement several committees’ reports on the Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh crisis to properly demarcate the disputed land and urgently put up measures to protect life and properties in the disputed area to avoid escalation of the crisis.
UYLA also appealed to the Delta State Government, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning individuals to provide palliatives in the form of food, clothing, medical aid, and others, for victims to cushion the present living conditions occasioned by the current crisis.
The group further condemned the alleged invasion and siege of Aladja community by the military and called on the Federal and state governments, Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to urgently intervene and stop the harassment of innocent citizens as we will not accept further intimidation of our people by the military.
The Association declared its total support for the Aladja people and warned every individual or group fueling the crisis for their selfish interests to desist from it henceforth.
