Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri has appealed to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene and bring a resolution to the prolonged communal conflict between the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities in Delta State.
In a statement released yesterday by the group’s spokesperson, Ambassador Binebai Yerin Princewill, it was emphasized that the ongoing dispute between the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities has persisted for the last 28 years.
Princewill clarified that the conflict initially emerged in 1995, resulting in the burning of the Ogbe-Ijoh community in 1996. In 2016, the conflict resurged, leading to the loss of lives and substantial property damage valued at millions of naira from both communities.
“Since 2016 up until now, the war has become a recurring decimal with attacks and counter-attacks between the two estranged communities.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, which represents all Ijaw Youth globally, is committed to promoting peace and fully supports the peace efforts spearheaded by the Ijaw and Urhobo traditional leaders in Delta State.
“IYC is in full support of our parent body, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in their solidarity visit to the traditional ruler of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Couple Markson Oromoni, Monbene III, the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom at his palace on Sunday August 13, 2023
“It is our call to the governor of Delta State that he should prioritize resolving the age-long communal crisis. The Ijaws and Urhobos are one, we are brothers and have intermarried over the years, hence, there is no basis for us as a people to beat war drums. For us, Urhobos and Ijaws do not have any problems, but Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja are having issues, for which we are going to work together to resolve the crisis,” he stated.
Princewill, speaking on behalf of the council, strongly advises any individuals or groups who are making inflammatory statements in an attempt to escalate the already tense situation in the state to cease their actions immediately. He emphasizes that no one has the exclusive right to use violence, and the council is cautioning against any behavior that could lead to further unrest.
“It should be noted clearly that nobody can threaten an Ijaw man with war, we are a peaceful people, hence the result of pushing an Ijaw man to the wall could be very dangerous when he decides to fight back.
“The governor of Delta state should do all he can to put an end to this reincarnating crisis. The government must take full responsibility and decision by implementing the reports submitted so far by the various committees.
“IYC is using this medium to commend the Udu Urhobo Communities (UUC) leadership for coming out to reaffirm their love and brotherhood to the Ijaw people. The IYC 9th NEC was represented by Comrade Freedom Atigbi, deputy president of the council who led the IYC delegation in collaboration with the INC led by its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba among others,” he said.
