Barely two days after Agbassa and Ogbe-Ijoh Communities signed a peace pact, a fresh crisis is brewing in the city of Warri as the Itsekiri National Youth Council, INYC on Friday laid claim to the disputed land hosting the Ogbe-Ijoh market.
President of Itsekiri National Youth Council, Comrade Agbateyinero Weyinmi made the claims on behalf of other executive and members at a press briefing in Warri.
This is coming on the heels of a meeting hosted by the Warri Area Commander, ACP Muhammed Mu’Azu and other sister security agencies at the “A” Division in Warri recently.
The INYC also warned the Delta State Government, security agencies and the general public that any meeting convened without the Itsekiris who he claimed are the original owners of the land where Ogbe-Ijoh Market is situated is an invitation to anarchy.
While noting that it is unlawful for Agbassa and Ogbe-Ijoh from Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic extraction to engage in the collectiuon of rents, levies and revenues from Ogbe-Ijoh market, Comrade Weyinmi said, “the land in question belongs to the Iteskiri people under the over-lordship of Olu of Warri.”
The youth leader also stated that the INYC would want to correct the impressions given about the ownership of the land where the Ogbe-Ijoh market is situated at Warri -Sapele road.
He however commended the security agencies for their prompt response in forestalling break down of law and order, prevention of the theft of properties belonging to various individuals in the area of Ogbe-Ijoh market, during the one-day crisis between Agbassa and Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri.
Comrade Weyinmi also appealed to the state government to forestall any recurrence of the illegality of land ownership over Ogbe-Ijoh market between the Itsekiri people and Agbassa community.
With the recent crisis between the Ogbe-Ijoh people who are from Warri South-West Local Government Area and Agbassa people from Warri South, the Ogbe-Ijoh people appear to be fighting on two fronts as they are already battling with Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area.
Comments