Otulu community protesters block Delta Govt House over alleged attacks

Aggrieved indigenes of Otulu community in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State numbering over 2,000 on Tuesday barricaded the Government House, Asaba, appealing to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to intervene in the ongoing communal crisis to avert more bloodshed.

The protesters asked for government intervention while displaying placards with different inscriptions to show their grievances.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, had visited Otulu community on Friday to perform traditional rites, when crisis erupted, leading to the death of one person, while four vehicles were burnt.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, an elder in the community, Prince Chris Isikekpei, disclosed  that Ogwashi-Uku community had been intimidating them.

Isikekpei,  said, “There are  no social amenities in the community, especially electricity, roads and others. So we sold portions of land to solve our issue of basic amenities.

“But Ogwashi-Uku people came and demolished most of the structures on the land and killed our son. They came with thugs who were shooting indiscriminately.

“We are here today (Tuesday) to appeal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to come our aid and find a lasting solution to these incessant communal clashes and killings. We are having communal clashes with Ogwashi-Uku, Okiti and Issele-Mpitime. We refuse to be involved in any form of reprisal, so we are begging the governor.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Festus Agas, promised that government will look at the issue on both sides with view to solve the communal crisis.

“Your message will be forwarded to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for quick intervention,” Agas,  said.

On his part, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Ali, assured the protesters that the command was investigating the killing in the community with a view to bring the perpetrators to book.