Fresh Tension Rises Between Okuama-Ewu, Okoloba Communities in Delta

UGHELLI — A fresh crisis is brewing between the Okuama-Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State. The tension arises from accusations of property and farmland looting, armed youths laying siege to waterways, and the use of drones for spying.

The conflict, rooted in a longstanding land dispute, escalated dramatically a few months ago when 17 army personnel on a peace mission to Okuama-Ewu were killed by suspected gunmen on March 14. The military subsequently occupied Okuama-Ewu from March 15 until May 8, following the intervention of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Residents, who had taken refuge in nearby forests, returned to their homes on May 8, but the community has since experienced continuous unrest.

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Escalating Tensions and Protests

Recent reports indicate that tensions between the two communities are rising again, with fears of renewed violence unless the state government intervenes promptly. On Monday, women from Okuama-Ewu protested against alleged looting by Okoloba women, who they accused of stealing cassava, potatoes, and pepper from their farms. The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for urgent assistance.

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Okuama-Ewu leaders also accused Okoloba of using drones to spy on their village, heightening the sense of insecurity.

First Protest by Okoloba Women

Last Saturday, Okoloba women, led by Mrs. Timipakebi Godwin and Mrs. Mary Koibi, held a placard-carrying protest. They accused armed youths from Okuama-Ewu of disturbing the peace in the riverine area. They highlighted a recent incident where Okuama youths allegedly killed one person and wounded three others, demonstrating the volatility of the situation.

Okuama-Ewu Women Respond

In a counter-protest on Monday, Okuama-Ewu women claimed they caught Okoloba women fleeing while harvesting cassava. One protester reported, “They stole our foams, boats, and other property and sold them before we returned on May 8. But today, we caught them digging our cassava, and they ran away.”

Another protester added, “On Sunday, armed youths of Okoloba blocked us with guns on the waterways. We had to take another route to come to Okuama. Our community is an island, and the main access route is through Okoloba.”

Leadership Reactions

Okuama leaders emphasized the ongoing surveillance by drones and the looting of their farms. One leader noted, “This morning, the Okuama women discovered most of their crops had been harvested by Okoloba women who fled upon hearing our women approaching. They have been harvesting our cassava, potatoes, pepper, and other crops. Women and children are suffering, and many of our children are still missing.”

When contacted for a response, the Chairman of the Okoloba community, Mr. Clement Koki, stated he would provide a detailed response later but had not done so by press time.

The situation remains tense, and the need for government intervention is urgent to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety and well-being of both communities.

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