A fresh wave of violence is looming between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State following the withdrawal of Nigerian Army troops from the area. The previous conflict between these communities tragically resulted in the deaths of 17 soldiers.
On Saturday, women from the Okoloba community, located in the Bomadi Local Government Area, staged a peaceful protest against the resurgence of armed youths in their region. Clad in black, the women, led by Mrs. Timipakebi Goodwin, the chairlady of Okoloba community, and Mrs. Mary Koibi, the secretary, marched along the coastal fringes, chanting slogans against violence and calling on the Federal Government for intervention.
The protestors carried placards with messages such as "We say No to violence," "Enough of the killings on our land," "We say no to the return of armed youths of Okuama in a commando style," "Resettle Okuama people among their Ewu brothers in Ughelli South LGA," and "We mourn the killing of the 17 soldiers."
In a protest letter addressed to various authorities including the Police, DSS, NSCDC, JTF, and the Acting Chairman of Bomadi LGA, Mrs. Goodwin highlighted the grave dangers posed by the armed youths. She warned that these youths could kill at the slightest provocation.
Violence Erupts Post-Military Withdrawal
“Less than 24 hours after the exit of the troops from Okuama, fresh crisis erupted with another neighboring community, culminating in the killing of one person while three other persons were seriously injured,” Mrs. Goodwin stated. The victims were allegedly involved in looting, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation.
Mrs. Goodwin emphasized that the recent killing illustrates the lethal tendencies of the Okuama people, posing a significant threat to neighboring Ijaw communities like Okoloba. She argued that resettling the Okuama people in their current location within Bomadi LGA would likely lead to more clashes and bloodshed.
Escalating Tensions and Calls for Relocation
The letter further detailed a recent incident where youths from Okuama, dressed in camouflage, emerged from the Mein-toruabubor creek on three speedboats, shooting sporadically into the air. This aggressive display occurred three times, heightening fears and tensions within the Okoloba community.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to come to our aid,” Mrs. Goodwin urged. “The panacea to these incessant clashes and killings is for the government to relocate Okuama to the Ewu clan in Ughelli South Local Government Area, where they truly and rightly belong. Resettling them among their own people in Ewu clan of Urhobo land will foster mutual trust among themselves as they are of the same ancestry and speak the same dialect.”
Sympathy for Fallen Soldiers
The women of Okoloba expressed their condolences for the 17 soldiers who lost their lives while on a peace and rescue mission to Okuama, following the kidnapping of an Okoloba resident. “We sincerely mourn their untimely death and pray for the repose of their souls. We also pray for their families,” Mrs. Goodwin added.
The protest letter and the peaceful demonstration reflect the deep-rooted fears and the urgent need for resolution in the community. The women’s plea to the Federal Government emphasizes the importance of immediate action to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas.
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