-From Michael J. EKOKORUWE:
Oleh community in Isoko South local government area of Delta State was shutdown as residents staged a peaceful protest and demanded for the white paper over land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro communities, from Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State.
Economic and social activities were paralysed as the community women, men and youths in their numbers blocked major roads within Oleh metropolis and Oleh roundabout/Asaba express road, over land dispute and the loss of Oleh 12 indigenes that were gruelsomely murdered on the 16th of October 2020.
The people displayed placards with various inscriptions as “Governor Okowa release the white paper between Oleh and Ozoro to enable the families of the dead bury their son’s and daughter’s”, “Oleh community is tired of crisis between Oleh and Ozoro”, “We do not need more bloodshed between Oleh and Ozoro”, Okowa hear Oleh community cry now”, “the report of the judicial panel of inquiry has been submitted since May 2021”, and “We want to bury our 12 son’s that are still in the motuary”.
Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alakri said, the report of land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro, killing of the 12 Oleh indigenes submitted to governor Okowa since May 2021 white paper has not been released, adding that both communities are still engaged in land encroachment.
He maintained that same protest was carried out by Ozoro community to avoid further crisis between the two communities. Alakri noted that the dead bodies laying in the motuary must be buried and demanded for justice over the 12 Oleh indigenes that were murdered.
The President General reiterated that the release of the white paper by Governor Okowa will specify where to bury the 12 people, adding that the parents and children of the dead and crying as their bodies are yet to be buried.
“We voted for Governor Okowa and he will not allow us to die in crisis.We need peace in Oleh as people cannot go to their farm because of fear”, Alakri said.
For her part, the women leader of Oleh community, Mrs. Itewor Juliana, commended governor Okowa for setting up the panel of inquiry and report submitted to him.
She appealed to Okowa to release the white paper for peace and justice, adding that Oleh community is tired of war and wants to bury the 12 indigenes of Oleh community still lying in the motuary.
