The Delta State Government in collaboration with the leadership of Isoko South Local Government and Isoko Development Union, IDU, today deployed four-hundred security men to douse tension in the troubled Igbide and Okpolo-Enehe Communities in Delta State, DAILY POST can report.
The security men include the military and other sister security agencies have been stationed in both communities.
The security operatives will be patrolling 24 hours in both communities.
The Isoko South Local Government Council Chairman, Sir Malik Ikpokpo accompanied by the President General of the Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, the Commander 222 battalion, Agbarha-Otor, and the Ughelli Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, ACP Ilori, frowned at the wake of the renewed attacks between the two warring communities.
The Council Chairman condemned in strong terms the extent of destruction and carnage just as he warned that government will never again tolerate the madness.
Ikpokpo blamed the leaders and elders of the two communities for failing to curtail the excesses of their children and youths who now dictate to them..
He assured the two communities, tat the Delta State Government and Isoko South Local Government were determined and committed to permanently put an end to the protracted crisis.
“His Excellency, the Governor of Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has been properly briefed. He is deeply saddened, and has mandated me to ensure that this nonsense is brought to an end. It is disheartening to think that people will go to this extent over a land dispute instead of at most going to court. We will stop this madness no matter what it takes,” he said
The Council boss stated that security has been adequately beefed up to forestall further attacks just as he tasked both communities to co-operate with the security officers.
Ikpokpo also told those who fled in the wake of the unfortunate crisis to return home as normalcy has returned.
He ordered the immediate dismantling of all road blocks, and warned that henceforth, community leadership will be held responsible and liable for indiscriminate barricade and roadblocks in both communities.
President General of Isoko Development Union, IDU High Chief Iduh Amadhe had earlier said that the renewed attack between the two warring communities regrettably, had gone beyond land dispute, saying, “Precious lives are daily slaughtered by evil and criminally minded few. Women, children and elders of both communities have been displaced by the gross irresponsibility of some renegades. This must stop. I am passionately appealing to both communities for a ceasefire.”
“The endless panic, tension and large scale destruction over a mere piece of land is cruel and inhuman. They have fought enough and they have destroyed enough. Enough is enough”.
“Government will not tolerate the excesses and unbridled callousness of some blood thirsty murderers who have elected to foment monumental havoc. The full weight of the law will be deployed in dealing with troublemakers and merchants of violence. This mindless madness must stop”.