JUST IN: Delta Council Suspends Monarchs Of Warring Isoko Communities

• Withholds Monarchs Salaries
• Declares Igbide PG Wanted
• Imposes 24-hours Curfew Indefinitely On Warring Towns

The Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, has suspended the traditional ruler of Emede and that of Igbide Kingdom following outbreak of communal crisis in their domain.

The Delta Council, also withheld the salaries that normally accrued to the monarchs, Edward Obukeni 1, Ovie of Igbide and Johnson Omote Ewhiri 11, ovie of Emede Kingdom respectively on a monthly basis.

BIGPENNGR.COM reports that 5 percent of local government allocation goes to payment salaries of  the traditional rulers in the local government area.

The security council meeting followed the recent killings, arson and criminality in Igbide and Emede communities.

BIGPENNGR.COM understands the decision was taken at the Council Emergency Security meeting held on Friday in Oleh, headquarters of the local government.

Recalls that a renewed crisis between Emede and Igbide had left over five persons dead and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

This medium had reported that suspected mercenaries allegedly hired by Igbide had launched the onslaught against Emede between Tuesday and Wednesday leaving trail of deaths and destructions.

ALSO READ: Governor Okowa Decries Renewed Hostility Between Igbide, Okpolo-Enwhe Communities

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The two isoko communities have been on each other jugular for years over boundary dispute but the latest mayhem may not be far unconnected to leadership crisis rocking Igbide. Accusing fingers are reportedly pointed to the President General of Igbide who is said to be fueling the renewed crisis to perpetrate himself in power as his tenure of office is bid to elapse.

The age-long boundary dispute between the two communities had in 1986 to 1987 caused the death of over a hundred persons and destruction of several houses.

Meanwhile, declaring the killing, wanton destruction and arson as “acts of extreme criminality”, the LGA Security Council, in a statement released by Okah Akpotha Fidelis, Press Secretary to the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, imposed 24-hours indefinite curfew on the two communities, beginning from 6:pm today, 11th December, 2020.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Delta: Emede, Igbide Boil Again, Five Feared Killed, 25 Houses Burnt, As Residents Flee In Droves

It, however, warned that offenders of the curfew would be severely punished.

The LGA security Council, also suspended without salaries, The Ovies of Igbide and Emede Kingdom.

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The meeting also resolved to officially communicate recommendation for the withdrawal of the monarchs’ Staff Of Offices to the Delta State Government.

The Local Government also stripped the President Generals of Igbide and Emede communities of their powers and cease to recognise them.

The security council, however, declared the President General of Igbide wanted and urged the law enforcement agencies to take note of the resolution.

The decision of the security council would be communicated to companies and institutions operating in both communities, the statement added.