Itsekiri clash: Delta youths warned against lawlessness

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing of Emiko Onuwaje, a resident of Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State. Emami made the call in a statement on Monday, following a […]

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing of Emiko Onuwaje, a resident of Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State.
Emami made the call in a statement on Monday, following a deadly clash between youths from Ugborodo and neighboring Ogidigben riverine Itsekiri communities on Saturday, which claimed Onuwaje’s life. The incident sparked outrage and heightened tensions across the Ugborodo axis.
Hours after the killing, the residence of Capt. John Deja Okpeyor, newly installed as a chief of Warri Kingdom, was set ablaze by angry youths.
After visiting the victim’s family, Emami condemned the killing as “tragic and unacceptable,”. He said it was regrettable that “brothers” would resort to violence over minor disputes.
He warned that such actions deepen divisions and stall development.
He urged residents, particularly Ugborodo indigenes, to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to investigate thoroughly, calling for unity against criminal elements.
“It will not be in our interest to instigate a crisis that will lead to the total breakdown of law and order. It won’t bring back the dead. Our cry is for justice for the dead and the bereaved family.”
“At this time, when the government is trying to bring development to our community, we should not indulge in actions that will undermine the government’s efforts,” he added.
He stressed that efforts to fast-track development in the Ugborodo federated communities must not be undermined by individuals with criminal tendencies and urged residents to close ranks to preserve peace in the area.