10 Feared Dead, Scores Wounded, Several Houses Touched In Delta Communal Clash

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

Over ten persons have been reportedly killed in a renewed crisis between Enwhe and Igbide communities in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state.

BigPen Online learnt that tension had mounted the communities since weekend when youths from both communities took up arms against each other over a prolonged disputed parcel of land.

Our source revealed that over ten persons have lost their lives in the renewed crisis which broke out Sunday and became fierce Monday morning.

The source said by the time the dust raised by the crisis settled, many houses had been burnt while over nine persons hospitalized from gunshot and matchet wounds.

According to our source, Enwhe community lost more persons to the crisis which left the communities a ghost town.

A local community source said, “Our (Enwhe) community has been deserted. Many of our people have been killed. I counted at least seven corpses including Okaitha Odoko, Evuazeze, Edhereveno, Oke Owhewe among others. Some of the houses burnt include that of Chief S.O Ikeneku and Joel Igbudu.”

In Igbide, another source said, “Many of our people are in serious danger following injuries they sustained. Many houses were equally burnt. The entire town has been deserted and scores of persons are currently seeking safety in neighbouring communities.  As we speak, I am taking refuge in Ughelli, so is many our people.”

The President-General of Enwhe community, Sunday Egboye, confirmed the incident but declined to give details.

The Chairman of Isoko South who doubles as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo also confirmed the clash in a statement on Monday calling warring communities to embrace peace.

Ikpokpo, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Okah Akpotha Fidelis, condemned the renewed crisis.

“It has come to the notice of the Isoko South Local Government that despite its untiring effort in sustaining the existing peace, and finding an amicable and final solution to the age long land dispute between Igbide and Okpolo- Enwhe, recalcitrant and misguided indigenes of both communities have continued to breach the existing peace to perpetrate unmitigated crisis in both communities.

“Government is terribly disturbed by the wave of renewed attack on both communities that have led to unimaginable injuries and wanton loss of properties, and sees it as callous, distasteful, and a sad reminder of the loss of our common values and sense of brotherhood.

“This has regrettably gone beyond a land dispute as precious lives are daily slaughtered by evil and criminally minded few. Women, children and elders of both communities have been displaced by the gross irresponsibility of some renegades. This must stop.

“Government hereby for the umpteenth time appeal passionately to both communities for a ceasefire. The endless panic, tension and large scale destruction over a mere piece of land is cruel and inhuman. We have fought enough, we have destroyed enough. Enough is enough”, it said.

The Isoko South Chairman stated further, “This has clearly gone beyond a land dispute as precious lives are daily slaughtered by evil and criminally minded few. Government will not tolerate the excesses and unbridled callousness of some blood thirsty murderers who have elected to foment monumental havoc. The full weight of the law will be deployed in dealing with troublemakers and merchants of violence. It has come to a head. This mindless madness must stop.

“Government has however brought the situation under control. A combined security team has been deployed to take absolute security control in both communities. Our people are hereby advise to remain calm, co-operate with the security agents and go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka confirmed the development when contacted saying that at least three persons were killed and some other persons kidnapped during the fracas.

Aniamaka said normalcy has been restored to the area while enjoining the residents to embrace peace.

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