Delta Deputy Governor Warns Against Ownership Disputes Between Owa-Abbi and Umukwata Communities
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has cautioned the Owa-Abbi and Umukwata communities in Ukwuani Local Government Area against laying claims to the ownership of other autonomous communities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace in the state.
The deputy governor issued the warning on Thursday during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Owa-Abbi community to his office in Asaba. He expressed concerns over the potential disruption to the state’s peace due to ownership disputes and warned that the government would not tolerate any actions that could spark conflict.
Onyeme assured the visiting leaders that the government would carefully review the documents they presented regarding the autonomy of Owa-Abbi and collaborate with the relevant agencies to take an informed position. “We will study your documents, liaise with the appropriate agencies, and make our stance clear. Anyone who disrupts peace will be held accountable,” he said.
He further urged communities to respect each other’s autonomy and avoid actions that could undermine peaceful coexistence. “No one is a lesser human being or a slave to another. As a government, we will not stand by and watch crises erupt in any community. We must manage ourselves peacefully as one united people,” Onyeme emphasized.
The deputy governor also voiced concerns about conflicts arising from the discovery of oil in some communities, noting that the revenue generated from oil is insignificant compared to the human lives lost in these conflicts. “Communities must educate their people that the money from oil is not worth the pain and problems it causes. Those benefiting the most are far away while we fight ourselves over crumbs,” he said.
Earlier, Chief Imala Odufu, leader of the Owa-Abbi delegation, appealed for government intervention to address challenges in their community. He cited the destruction caused by Fulani herdsmen in their farmlands along the River Ethiope and ongoing tensions with the Ukwata of Umukwata Kingdom as major sources of concern.
Chief Odufu alleged that the Ukwata of Umukwata had been making false accusations and using intimidation tactics, including arresting prominent Owa-Abbi community members. He warned that if the situation remained unresolved, it could lead to serious disruptions.
Onyeme called for collaboration among community leaders, traditional rulers, and law enforcement agencies to prioritize peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution. “The people of Delta State deserve peace and unity. Let us work together to ensure our communities thrive without unnecessary conflict,” he concluded.
