Isoko violence: Govt’ll deal with trouble makers, says LG boss 

Following the recent renewal of violence and killings in Igbide and Enwhe communities in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, the Chairman of the council, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, has warned that the government will no longer tolerate such a breakdown of law and order in the area.
Palpable tension has continued to grip the residents of the two communities as the renewed hostilities have already claimed no fewer than seven lives with scores of others seriously injured.
Ikpokpo, who is also the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in the state, spoke to our correspondent in Oleh, calling on the warring communities to embrace peace.
The council boss condemned the renewed violence between both communities.
He said, “It has come to the notice of the Isoko South Local Government that despite its untiring efforts in sustaining the existing peace, and finding an amicable and final solution to the age-long land dispute between Igbide and Okpolo-Enwhe, recalcitrant and misguided indigenes of both communities have continued to breach the existing peace to perpetrate unmitigated crisis in both communities.
“Government is terribly disturbed by the wave of renewed attack on both communities that have led to unimaginable injuries and wanton loss of properties, and sees it as callous, distasteful, and a sad reminder of the loss of our common values and sense of brotherhood.
“This has regrettably gone beyond a land dispute as 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.”
Ikpokpo further said, “Government, hereby, for the umpteenth time, appeal passionately to both communities for a ceasefire. The endless panic, tension and large scale destruction over a mere piece of land is cruel and inhuman. We have fought enough, we have destroyed enough. Enough is enough.
“This has clearly gone beyond a land dispute as precious lives are daily slaughtered by evil and criminally minded few. 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. It has come to a head. This mindless madness must stop.
“Government has, however, brought the situation under control. A combined security team has been deployed to take absolute security control in both communities. Our people are hereby advised to remain calm, co-operate with the security agents and go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Meanwhile, our correspondent gathered that crisis broke out on Sunday, last week, following the lingering boundary dispute between both communities. Many houses were razed.
It was learnt that hundreds of persons from both communities have been left homeless and the communities deserted.
Sources told our correspondent that seven persons have already been killed in Enwhe community while nine others sustained life-threatening gunshot and machete-inflicted injuries.
One of the sources added that five houses had already been razed as at Monday morning.
A local source said, “Our (Enwhe) community has been deserted. Many of our people have been killed. I counted at least seven corpses, including Okaitha Odoko, Evuazeze, Edhereveno, Oke Owhewe, among others. Some of the houses burnt include that of Chief S.O Ikeneku and Joel Igbudu.”
In Igbide, a resident said, “Many of our people are in serious danger following injuries they sustained. Many houses were equally burnt. The entire town has been deserted and scores of persons are currently seeking safety in neighbouring communities.  As we speak, I am taking refuge in Ughelli, just like many of our people.”
The President-General of Enwhe community, Sunday Egboye, confirmed the incident but declined to give details.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the development, saying no fewer than three persons were killed while some others were kidnapped.