Tension in Delta over Ogbe-Ijoh, Aladja communal clash

-  Aladja youths and Ogbe Ijaw youths clash in Warri, Delta state

- Police step in to restore normalcy in the region

The communal crisis between Aladja (Urhobos) and Ogbe-Ijoh (Ijaw), reached its peak with the invasion and sacking of a Divisional Police headquarters in Ogbe Ijoh, headquarters of Warri South West local government area.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion had to be drafted into the crisis torn area before sanity could be returned to the war torn area.

It was learnt that the crisis which was brewing since came to the head over boundary dispute between the two communities leading to shootings and alleged burning down of houses.

Security sources disclosed that the police station located in Ogbe Ijoh was over ran and their armoury looted during the crisis.

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It was gathered that the clash was as a result of alleged attack on Aladja women who were returning from their farms by some Ogbe Ijaw youths last Wednesday.

But the Aladja youths on Thursday, March 24 blocked the only access road leading to Ogbe Ijaw community which allegedly provoked the clash between the two communities.

A reinforcement of mobile police men were drafted from Warri to join the soldiers already deployed to the troubled area.

As at the time of filling this report, refugees have been created on both sides of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities.

Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Chief Solomon Kpoma told Journalists last night that refugees from Aladja community were being accommodated at Udu townhall while that of Ogbe Ijaw were in Warri.

The Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Area , Hon. George Ekpemupolo,Tompolo's brother confirmed that tension was “very high” even though the Warri Area Command of the Nigerian Police had waded into the matter  the alleged abduction of an Aladja woman from her farm on Wednesday evening.

“The woman who went to the farm was seized and taken to Ogbe-Ijoh by the youths who detained her behind a counter.”

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Aladja youths in reprisal blocked the only road leading to Ogbe-Ijoh. They said the road would remain closed until the woman is released.

Meanwhile, residents of Ogbe-Ijoh, including corps members, are fleeing Ogbe-Ijoh in the wake of Thursday attack.

The Chairman of the Waterways Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, who confirmed the report, said security operatives were battling to restore normalcy to the area.

He said soldiers from Nigerian Army and mobile police force have been deployed to the community to restore law and order.

The Warri Area Commander of Police, ACP Muazu Mohammed confirmed the renewed bloody clash.

Source: Legit.ng