By Christy Ichofu
OZORO/Nigeria: Chief Daniel Miller Akpoili, the President General (PG) of Ozoro community, has strongly denounced a recent violent attack on the indigenes of Ozoro community by individuals reportedly from Oleh community. He expressed deep concern that the long-standing peace between the two communities would be jeopardized if prompt and decisive action was not taken by the Delta State government and law enforcement agencies to address the escalating violence.
During a press briefing at his office in Ozoro, the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Akpoili passionately appealed to the Delta State government to expedite the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the White Paper regarding the Judicial Commission of Inquiry’s report on the boundary dispute between Ozoro and Oleh communities. He emphasized that this was crucial to prevent an impending crisis in the communities.
Chief Akpoili stated that the implementation of the White Paper’s recommendations was the solution to the ongoing boundary dispute between Ozoro and Oleh. He lamented the unbearable recurring attacks by enraged individuals from Oleh on the people of Ozoro community. Describing a recent incident, he recounted, “On June 12, 2023, an unprovoked attack occurred against the people of Ozoro community. This attack was directly related to the ongoing construction of access roads in Ozoro by the community.”
He continued, “On that day, while construction was underway near the disputed boundary at the Ozoro end, a group of armed individuals from Oleh community wielding cutlasses and guns chased away the Ozoro workers and seized their motorcycles and diesel fuel from the site.”
Chief Akpoili expressed his dismay at the unfortunate turn of events and emphasized that the people of Ozoro community were committed to maintaining peaceful coexistence with the people of Oleh. He vowed to uphold this commitment in order to preserve the existing peace.
He stated, “The people of Ozoro are law-abiding citizens who will wholeheartedly comply with the recommendations of the White Paper to promote peaceful coexistence between the indigenes of both communities.” Chief Akpoili then presented a copy of the White Paper to the journalists, emphasizing that it included a demarcation of the disputed area between Ozoro and Oleh, clearly depicted on an accompanying map.
He added, “We, the people of Ozoro, have thoroughly studied the White Paper and will adhere to its recommendations without fail. We will never act contrary to its directives and will conduct ourselves peacefully to ensure the preservation of peace.”
Nevertheless, the PG highlighted the urgent need for the Delta State government, relevant agencies, and stakeholders to swiftly implement the recommendations of the White Paper, as the recent events were endangering the peace between the two communities.
Chief Akpoili expressed his bewilderment as to why the people of Oleh community did not comply with the recommendations of the White Paper and embrace peace. He stated, “Despite facing the aggressive behavior of the people of Oleh community, we have maintained commendable restraint. We have neither filed any petitions nor instigated any arrests against anyone.”
“Regrettably,” he continued, “the reverse is true for the people of Oleh, who have resorted to violence and consistently filed numerous petitions against the people of Ozoro, resulting in the summoning of members of our community by law enforcement agencies.”
Chief Akpoili reiterated, “We stand for peace. We are not prepared for war, nor do we wish to be harmed or driven out of our land or community.” He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between both communities and expressed his dismay at the incessant petitions and invitations from the police, stating, “Just last week, I received a letter from Zone 5 regarding petitions written against our people by individuals from Oleh community.”
