…Okoloba, Okwama hold Indigenes hostage, as police swing into action
Fresh crisis is presently brewing in Okoloba and Okwama villages in Ughelli south and Bomadi local government ares of Delta state over alleged trespass on fishing river.
The disputed River called Ewu River, has been where Okwama community of Ewu Clan, has been fishing for decades.
The peaceful atmosphere in the area took a flight in early hours of today, Monday December 18th 2023, as Indigenes of Okoloba community laid siege on two Indigenes of Okwama community while fishing.
Sources said the two Indigenes of Okwama community were taken hostage by Okoloba Indigenes for daring to fish on their water.
On receipt of the information, delegates from Okwama were sent to Okoloba on fact findings, only to be told that the said river belongs to Okoloba community.
According to the information, Okwama delegation were reportedly asked to pay a whooping sum of N600, 000 royalty before their children would be released.
Miffed by the audacity, the delegation from Okwama, left for their community.
In a reprisal move, angry youths of Okwama community, allegedly mobilized to the River and took eight Indigenes of Okoloba community hostage.
As at the time of this report, both Communities are waiting on who to blinks first, as their is palpable fear whether any of those held hostage are still alive.
Sources from Okwama community, has called on the state government and security agencies to move swiftly in action before the situation turns bloody.
However, a security source, said the police from Okwagbe and Bomadi Divisions are on to of the matter.
An impeccable source, equally revealed that the secret police, Department of State Security (DSS), are equally involved in the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Over many years after the leaders of the communities signed peace accord and security agents, including soldiers deployed to the communities, there are fresh allegations that renewed hostility has begun.
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