Armed Ogbe-Ijoh and Isaba youths on Tuesday allegedly abducted an indigene of Owhawha Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
DAILY POST reports that the Owhawha indigene, simply identified as Samson, was abducted in his farm at about 11 a.m. along the College road of Aladja Community.
The Assistant Secretary of Aladja Community, Comrade Ighotegwolor Bezi disclosed this to our correspondent in Warri.
Bezi claimed that the incident caused serious tension in the area, alleging that the armed youths shot sporadically on air.
According to Bezi, “Isaba and Ogbe-Ijoh youths abducted a farmer called Samson from his farm today. The area is really tensed as I speak with you.”
Bezi said security agents, comprising the Joint Task Force, Department of State Services, DSS and the Police have pleaded with the Aladja people to remain calm with a promise to rescue the victim.
Bezi warned the Ogbe-Ijoh and Isaba people not to attack their people again stressing, “If they do, it will be fire for fire.”
He also advised the Ogbe-Ijoh and Isaba people to respect the peace process initiated by the Delta State Government.
In a swift reaction, the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, in Ogbe-Ijoh Clan, Engr. Smart Okosun denied the allegations saying, “that is a big lie.”
Okosun claimed that it was the Aladja youths who entered their community and started shooting sporadically yesterday in the presence of security operatives, noting that the tension was really high.
“We didn’t attack Aladja. The military were on ground,” he said.
Okosun, however, lamented that the crisis situation in Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities was not helping the people.
He called on the people to maintain peace and settle the lingering land dispute between them.
“My advice to the youths is that they should sheath their swords and drop their guns. But if they still want to fight, they should go to the Court. It is not by gun,” he added.
Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the report noting that,”The Chairman of the Council just left and we are trying to talk to all the parties.
“We are talking to the leadership in place in the both communities. We are discussing with them and we hope they intervene.”
