Trouble started on Tuesday June 15th 2021, when a real estate developer from Obubu community allegedly trespassed on the land belonging to Oleri people, which ignited the age long dispute.
It was learnt that some youths, purportedly sponsored by Oleri elders stormed the land for development, destroyed the equipment in the area Obubu community, and started burning their houses.
It was learnt that Obudu people scampered for safety, seeking refuge in other neighbouring communities.
Although no death was recorded, several persons from the two communities reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Councillor representing Obubu Ward, Oputu Awhotu, confirmed that the 27 houses burnt belongs to Obubu community, adding that the community is still under threat of attack.
He said a visit to the land in question showed it is a portion that has never been in dispute between the communities.
He explained though both communities have had boundary disputes in time past, some of them were “settled out of court and others in favour of Obubu community”.
The place they took the bulldozer to has never been in dispute between Obubu and Oleri communities. So these guys attacked Obubu and said the machine must not work.
“Nobody in Obubu had dispute with Oleri community, so they just attacked, shooting anyhow and burning houses. Either 27 or 28 houses were burnt.
“The current situation is we are still facing threats of their attack. The council called both communities over the matter, they came for inspection too. But there is still threat on the community. Almost members fled from the community.
“Yesterday, Obubu community went to the king but we did not meet him. We will go again. But I know he is aware of what is happening,” Ahwotu stated.
The Ag. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said only 17 houses were burnt.
The PPRO added that “sanity has been restored to the area”, as the Police are in total control of the situation.
