Niger Delta group says solders aid killings in community

The President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government and security authorities to probe allegations of partisanship on the part of soldiers drafted to quell crisis between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State.

Recall that Aladja, an Urhobo community, and Ogbe-Ijoh, an Ijaw community, both in Delta State, have locked horns in crisis, running years, leaving several persons, including children reportedly killed.

Taiga, who was speaking against background of renewed clashes between the two warring communities in which over eight persons were feared dead, stated that “Soldiers were grossly partisan in the recent incidence by firing shots at helpless residents of Aladja”.

“For how long are we going to allow the breach of peace of peace and the disregard for the sanctity of human lives in these two communities because of other considerations not favourable to truth, justice, equity and peaceful co-existence?.

“I call on the federal government to investigate allegations that Soldiers were grossly partisan in this recent incidence by firing shots at helpless residents of Aladja, killing many,” Taiga stated.

He also called on Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to show political will and summon moral to, as a matter of urgency, resolve the lingering dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State.

The Leader of the Urhobo ethnic nationality frowned at allegations that certain individuals in high places are exacerbating the crisis, submitting that “such persons, if it is true, should search their consciences and be warned that history and the Creator will be unkind to them for any role they play in the wanton killings and destruction.

“This dispute has lingered for too long and has taken much blood, lives and property. I call on the State Government led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to show political will by looking at the reports of the various committees set up to look into the dispute and carry out their recommendations fearlessly,” he said.