ITSEKIRI YOUTHS ALLEGE LAND GRAB, URGE DELTA GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE ORDER
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
The non-governmental organization, Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, has expressed grave concern over an alleged attempt to usurp the Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, describing it as a territorial violation.
In a statement issued by its Vice President, Mrs. Tasye Mene, the organization called upon certain individuals from Ogbe-Ijoh in Delta State to refrain from their actions, asserting that the Ijaw possess no legitimate claims to the region. The group noted that these individuals were flouting the rule of law, having already lost their claims to the land in a court of law.
Mene also implored the Delta State government to restore order in the vicinity following an alleged attack on the Warri South Local Government Secretariat and the Ekurede Itsekiri community.
The statement articulates: “Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths have observed, with profound concern, the recent campaign of deception and provocation initiated by certain elements from Ogbe-Ijoh who have unlawfully endeavored to impose spurious territorial claims within the Warri South Local Government Area by erecting fraudulent banners and inciting discord.
“They have instigated numerous court cases from 1964 to as recently as 2012 and 2020 in their attempts to assert claims over the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, and they have been decisively unsuccessful on each occasion.
“This reflects a significant disregard for the rule of law to have lost such a multitude of court cases over the same claim, and yet resort to violence and self-help. Every reasonable resident of Delta is aware that the Ijaw do not hold any rights to the Warri South Local Government Area.
“The intentional display of banners by the Ijaw of Ogbe-Ijoh for the first time in Warri South Local Government Area under the pretext of the coronation anniversary of the king of Ogbe-Ijoh in the Warri South-West Local Government Area, a distinct Local Government Area, is a blatant disrespect for judicial rulings aimed at asserting claims over Warri South Local Government Area, which can only serve to disrupt public peace.
“The cessation of the placement of these banners and the removal of the few existing ones, conducted in accordance with the law, was an act of rightful governance.
“Rather than accept a lawful resolution, the offenders escalated the situation into an unprovoked attack on the Warri South Local Government Secretariat and the Ekurede Itsekiri community. Such behavior is a violation of civil order and a direct affront to the dignity of the Itsekiri people.
“Let the position of the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths be declared unequivocally: we are steadfast, unwavering, and ready to defend our homeland. Our readiness is motivated not by a desire for conflict but by a duty to protect our people, our institutions, and our cultural heritage. We shall consequently pursue every lawful and constitutional route available to us including urgent appeals to security agencies, immediate civil and criminal actions against identified offenders, and vigorous engagement with the state government and pertinent federal authorities to ensure accountability and deter further transgressions. ”
This organization will not accept ongoing provocations or the alteration of historical and administrative truths through intimidation or coercion.
“Any additional attempts to infringe upon the territorial integrity of Warri South Local Government Area will be met with a measured, lawful, and coordinated response by the Itsekiri community and the institutions that uphold civil society.
“We urge security agencies to act decisively, the Delta State government to restore and ensure public order, and community leaders of goodwill to advocate for restraint and de-escalation. The Itsekiri nation remains dedicated to peace but let there be no misunderstanding: peace will be safeguarded, and our rights will be defended by every lawful means at our disposal. ”
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