Four persons were on Thursday in the early hours feared killed in Umusadege Ogbe/Utagba Ogbe communities, Ndokwa West local Government Area of Delta State following a clash with respect to the discovery of oil in the area 10 years ago.
It was gathered that the victims were allegedly shot in the chest by suspected thugs after prolonged shouting bout inside the bush where the oil wells were discovered, and were rushed to the hospital by their relations.
An insider, Jiff Ekene, who spoke to DAILY POST, said,”The fight has been going on long ago. There have been moves to settle the matter but proved abortive. The victims are in critical condition, the situation is at present, terrible. We hope government will resolve the crisis once and for all.”
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Kwale Division, CPS Emmanuel Ogbuanya, however told DAILY POST that “the victims are critical condition and are admitted into the hospital. We have arrested three persons, and we are investigating the fight. I have summoned the contending factions and families involved in the fight, and warned them against the break down of law and order.”
Ogbuanya, while describing the factions’ misunderstanding as civil, noted that the police was interested in the manner in which they carry out the process that will not pose threat or challenges.
He added that “because of the violence and breach of laws and order, the police will do everything possible to strengthen peace in both communities, and anyone found wanting will be brought to book.”
The DPO urged aggrieved persons not to turn their natural blessing of crude oil into a curse or engage in arms acquisition to fight one another, warning that “the police will deal ruthlessly with those causing trouble. We will charge the arrested suspects to court on completion of investigation”.
Also speaking, some of the leaders of both communities, who did not want their names in print, said, “there were laid down rules, principles violated by some persons because they are desperate. We usually adopt selection and election oil committees, and sub committee in the past. We shall carefully follow the due process to avoid further outbreak of violence and crisis.”
