Delta Community Pleads for Peace Amid Rising Land Tensions

In the heart of Delta State, the peaceful Itsekiri community of Obitugbo finds itself on edge, its centuries-old harmony threatened by a rising tide of animosity. For generations, the people of Obitugbo have cultivated their land, built their homes, and raised their families, fostering a legacy of peaceful coexistence with their neighbors. Now, however, inflammatory statements and online rhetoric emanating from individuals in the neighboring Oghara community are casting a dark shadow over their future, transforming long-standing land claims into fears of inter-ethnic unrest.

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We are not looking for a fight. We are peace-loving people. But we cannot stand by while calls are made for outsiders to mobilise against us. Our children are afraid. Our elders are troubled.

Obitugbo's leaders are making an urgent plea to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, imploring him to step in and de-escalate the situation before words escalate into violence. They stress that they are a peace-loving people, not seeking conflict, but they cannot idly stand by while their community is targeted. The fear is palpable, with children feeling afraid and elders deeply troubled by the escalating rhetoric. The community's leaders, including Mr. Joseph Taye Akuyoma and Dr. Chris Eburajolo, emphasize their history of resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to established boundaries, urging respect for history and coexistence.

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Stability is everything. If tension explodes into conflict, investors will flee. The school won’t come. Our young people will suffer. That cannot happen.

The potential consequences of unchecked tension are dire, particularly concerning the proposed University of Warri, a project that represents immense hope for Obitugbo's residents. Mr. Dandy Adagba, secretary of the community committee, warns that any explosion into conflict would scare away investors, jeopardize the university's establishment, and ultimately harm the younger generation. The community's elder, Pa Broderick Utienyin, eloquently captures the sentiment: "This land is our identity. We will protect it, but we want to protect it in peace." Their simple request is for government security intervention and a facilitated dialogue to prevent a crisis.

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This land is our identity. We will protect it, but we want to protect it in peace. All we ask is that the government sends security agencies to watch over us and call everyone to a table for dialogue.