Delta monarchs canvass state of emergency over Igbide, Emede crisis

Worried by the carnage and destruction of life and property occasioned by renewed hostilities between Igbide and Emede communities in Isoko South council, Delta State monarchs canvassed a state of emergency in the area.

They also asked security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to engage in more intelligence gathering and aggressive security strategies to stem the bloodbath.

The royal fathers equally charged the traditional rulers and community leaders in the warring communities to call their people to order and enhance the speedy resolution of the crisis.

These were some of the decisions reached at the first monthly meeting of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council (DSTRC) in 2021, which held in Asaba, the state capital.

Chairman of the council and Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, who was flanked by the Orodje of Okpe and first Vice-Chairman of the council, Maj.-Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.) and Pere of Akugbene Mien/second Vice Chairman of the council, Luke Kalanama VIII, presented a five-point communiqué at the meeting, appealed to the people to embrace dialogue and stressed the need for government’s urgent intervention to restore normalcy to the area.

“The destruction of lives and property is needless, senseless, and unnecessary and we urge the combatants to retrace their steps and embrace peace, especially as they have been known to be brothers over the years,” he said.

The Delta monarchs reiterated the call on the state government and security operatives to clamp down on traditional rulers, who he said, were engaging in acts capable of causing security breaches in their domains.

The communiqué stressed the need for royal fathers to engage in peacebuilding initiatives and promote harmonious existence among residents of their domains to enhance development.

The monarchs lauded the infrastructure development in Delta State by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, saying they were proud of the governor.

On the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, they enjoined Delta people and other residents to always observe prescribed protocols and other safety measures to avoid contracting the virus.

During the meeting, Special Adviser to the governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Edwin Uzor, briefed the monarchs on the state government’s multi-dimensional peace initiatives to engender law, order, and harmonious co-existence among the people.

The Ovie of Ozoro, Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ovie of Uvwie, Sideso Abbey I, Obi of Ubullu-Unor, Henry Kikachukwu I, and Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ukori I, among other traditional rulers, attended the meeting.