The apex Social Cultural body of Urhobo Nation, the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, today said soldiers allegedly shot dead eight Aladja indigenes in Delta State in the renewed war with Ogbe-Ijoh community.
UPU’s President General, Olorogun Moses Taiga disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST.
Taiga said the soldiers were grossly partisan as they neglected their professional and law enforcement duties during the renewed war by firing shots at hapless residents of Aladja, killing many yesterday.
Taiga called on the Federal Government and the military authorities to probe the allegations of partisanship on the part of soldiers drafted to quell the renewed war between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities.
Taiga said, “Investigate allegations that soldiers were grossly partisan and neglected their professional and law-keeping duties in this recent incidence by firing shots at helpless residents of Aladja, killing many. ”
Taiga also called on Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa to show political and moral will by resolving the lingering dispute between the two communities.
“This dispute has lingered for too long and has taken much blood, lives and property and I call on the State Government led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to show the political will by looking at the reports of the various committees set up on the dispute and carry out their recommendations fearlessly.
“For how long are we going to allow the desecration of peace and the disregard for the sanctity of human lives in these two communities because of other considerations not favourable to truth, justice, equity and peaceful co-existence? Governor Ifeanyi Okowa should etch his name into the golden books of history by resolving this crisis permanently by upholding the tenets of truth and justice, no matter whose ox is gored.”
Taiga also frowned on the allegations that certain individuals in high places are festering the crisis, submitting that “such persons, if this is true, should search their consciences and be warned that history and the Creator will be unkind to them for any role they play in the wanton killings, blood shedding and destruction.
In a separate chat, the Aladja community accused the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun of allegedly killing nine of its indigenes as the renewed war with Ogbe-Ijoh community rages on.
The Assistant Secretary of Aladja community, Comrade Ighotegwolor Bezi in a text message to DAILY POST released the names of the nine indigenes allegedly shot dead by the soldiers.
The names are: Michael Okubio, Iya Okubio, Apoi Kophieghe, Elohor Odjuka, Avwirorosuo Sodje, Obukohwo Ovien,Ovwigho Esekpaide and Uririn, an indigene of Kokori community, including a woman whose corpse is allegedly being detained by the authorities.
Bezi said,”The soldiers were so biased during the war as they shot nine of our people dead for no offence.
“The Federal Government should investigate the soldiers especially the commander who sent them.”
Bezi accused some politicians on the side of the Ogbe-Ijoh people of allegedly fueling the recent crisis.
Bezi called on the relevant authorities to come to the aid of Aladja community and its people and save them from the soldiers.
Attempts to speak with the authorities were unsuccessful as our correspondent was told that the Army Spokesman had been transferred.
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