The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called on warring communities in the Ibaji Local Government Area of the state – who have taken arms against other neighboring communities in Anambra state – to choose the path of peace, adding that the dispute will soon be resolved by the Federal Government.
Bello stated this yesterday in Lokoja when the Ibaji Community Development Association paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Lokoja, over the appointment of their son, Chief Simon Achuba, as Deputy Governor of the state.
The Governor, who commended his guests for paying him a visit, said he had already set up a committee to go round the various local government areas of the state to know the immediate needs of the people and prioritize them.
On the disputed oil wells, the Governor explained that efforts are being made to ensure that the matter is amicably resolved.
The two border communities of Aguleri Otu, Anambra East Local Government Area and Echeme/Odeke in Ibaji, have been laying claims to the oil deposits found on the Omambala River basin. There have been violent clashes between the different groups with deaths and destruction reported on both sides.
“A few days after my inauguration, the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, called me and asked that we should together maintain peace in that area,” Bello said. “Please, tell our people to sheath their swords. I have taken this case up at the highest level and President Muhammadu Buhari has assured us of his listening ear.
“Every drop of oil taken from that area is on record, so every kobo that should accrue to us will be given to us when all issues are resolved and the Ibaji Community will get the full benefit of what is under their own soil. So, let everyone remain calm,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the President of the community association, Chief John Iyaje Ojih commended the governor for appointing their son as the Deputy Governor, stressing that the appointment was the first of its kind.
The association appealed to the Governor to assist the community in providing roads and basic infrastructure like hospitals and schools.
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