Army deploys troops to feuding Delta coastal communities

File: Nigerian Army

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The 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Joint Task Force in the South South, otherwise known as Operation Delta Safe has deployed troops to maintain peace among residents of the feuding Ugborodo and Ogidigbe coastal communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

While noting that “the Brigade’s attention had been drawn to the allegations and counter allegations in the ongoing crisis at Ugborodo/Ogidigbe communities, with a sinister motive to prolong the crisis,” Bawa-Rijau warned all the parties involved to desist, as further breakdown of law and order would not be tolerated.

“Accordingly, troops have been deployed and the situation has been brought under control effectively,” he affirmed.

The PUNCH gathered that crisis erupted in the Delta coastal communities last weekend during which one Emiko Onuwaje was reportedly attacked and killed along a road in Ogidigben, an incident that triggered outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis.

Hours after the killing, the residence of Capt. John Deja Okpeyor was set ablaze by angry youths. Okpeyor had earlier that day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom.

The killing and subsequent arson had occurred amid reports of a youth leadership tussle in Ogidigben, which allegedly led to the mobilisation of youths to confront perceived opponents within the community.

Consequently, security presence had since been reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The Army, in its statement, had urged the people of Delta State to “note that the troops deployed will carry out their constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with the extant rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.”

The Army maintained, “the deployment of troops will remain in place for the sustenance of peace and stability in the area.”

It also reiterated the commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, reassuring that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“Thus, parties involved are warned to desist from any subtle attempts at dragging troops into needless communal controversies.

“The end-state is to ensure peaceful resolution of the crisis between the parties involved,” the Army said.

Meanwhile, the Commander, 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, has called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

He further enjoined them to continue to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of crisis merchants in their domain, reassuring that normalcy would be restored to Warri and environs.

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