The Executive Council of Ukokor Ivier Urhobo (Council of Urhobo Traditional Rulers) and the Executive Council of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), have urged the Delta State Government to set up an Independent Truth Commission to investigate the root causes of the crisis and the frequent disagreements between Urhobo and Ijaw communities on the Forcados Rivers.

The call is coming following the recent crisis between Okuama Community of Ughelli South LGA and Okoloba Community of Bomadi LGA which degenerated to a bloody fracas resulting to the killing of 17 military personnel last week.

Arising from a crucial meeting on Wednesday, presided over by chairman of the council, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, and attended by President of UPU, Chief Ese Gam Owe, the traditional rulers, in a communique appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the Nigerian Army to participate in a round-table discussion to be initiated by the Delta State Government.

In order to prevent future occurrences and find a lasting solution, the leaders called on all parties involved to cease violence and engage in peaceful dialogue.

The monarchs however expressed pain felt by the Urhobo nation over the tragic bloodshed and destruction of Okuama Community, including the killing of seventeen military personnel and the subsequent reprisal mission by the Nigerian Army.

They expressed their condolences to the families affected by the incident, both the soldiers and the innocent residents of Okuama Community.

The communique harped on the need for collaboration between Urhobo and Ijaw traditional rulers to achieve sustainable peace in the area. The Urhobo leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to peace and their long-standing peaceful coexistence with their Ijaw neighbours.

The Urhobo Traditional Rulers and Urhobo Progress Union’s called for peace and investigation into the Okuama/Okoloba crisis with the aim to restore harmony and prevent further bloodshed in the area.

Similarly, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing, representing the youth of the Urhobo Nation globally, has expressed deep sadness and strong condemnation in response to the reported communal crises and the killing of soldiers in Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government.

As a body dedicated to upholding the values of unity, peace, and progress, UPU Youth Wing said its motto, “unity is strength”, would continue to guide their mission to foster understanding, brotherhood, and good relations within and beyond Urhobo communities.

President of the body, Activist Ughere Blessed, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Aboyi Lawson, in a statement on Wednesday, said that the recent reports of communal clashes between Okuama and Okoloba, along with the tragic loss of Nigerian soldiers in Okuama, was condemnable and against it firm goals to foster unity in Urhobo land and beyond.

They, therefore, firmly condemned any actions that go against their goals and objectives.

The UPU Youth Wing, however, “extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and stand in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians and the brave men and women of our armed forces. Their sacrifices for the security and stability of our nation will forever be remembered and honoured”.

The group called upon the Nigerian government to launch a thorough and professional investigation into the incident leading to the communal crisis and subsequent killings of the military personnel.

They urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice in accordance with the laws of the nation.

“As we confront these challenging times, the UPU Youth Wing reaffirms our unwavering commitment to promote love, understanding, and brotherhood within our communities and our neighbours. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of a future where peace prevails in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole”, the statement reads. (Daily Sun: Text, Excluding Headline)

Update news