The traditional ruler of Igbide Kingdom, Edward Obukeni and his Emede counterpart, Johnson Ewhiri, have been suspended by the authorities of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta over renewed inter-communal clashes between both communities.

As a result, their entitlements including salaries, would be withheld by the council while the suspension lasts.

Besides the suspension, the council imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew starting by 6pm today (Friday) on both warring communities.

The decision to suspend the monarchs and impose curfew was contained in a statement by Okah Akpotha Fidelis, Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo, which was issued at the end the local government security council meeting held on Friday at Oleh.

Chairman of the council, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, confirmed the suspension of the monarchs to our correspondent on phone, saying that a recommendation for the withdrawal of their staff of office has been made to the state government.

Ikpokpo said the council would no longer tolerate a situation where people in communities would embark on razing down houses of individuals who work hard outside Isoko.

He fumed that such arson is taking place where there are monarchs and presidents general in the communities.

Over five persons are said to have been killed since the outbreak of violence on Wednesday between both communities, while properties worth millions of naira had been destroyed.

The two Isoko communities have been at loggerheads for years as a result of boundary dispute.

The age-long boundary dispute had between 1986 and 1987 caused the death of over a hundred persons and destruction of several houses.

However, the latest onslaught is said to be connected to alleged leadership crisis rocking Igbide.

Accusing fingers are reportedly pointed to the President General of the community who is said to be fueling the renewed crisis to perpetrate himself in power as his tenure of office is bid to elapse.

Okah, in the statement, described the killing, wanton destruction and arson as “acts of extreme criminality.”

The statement warned that offenders of the curfew would be severely punished.

According to the statement, official recommendations of the council on the subject matter would be communicated to the state government.

It added that the council also stripped the president general of Igbide and Emede of their powers and seize to recognise them, and further declared that of Igbide wanted. (The Sun)

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