The people of Abah-Unor Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State has called on the Delta State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to urgently intervene in an escalating land dispute threatening peace in the area.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday February 24, 2026, the traditional ruler of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi Innocent Ndubuisi Maduabunachukwu said the appeal became necessary to forestall a breakdown of law and order, stressing that Abah-Unor remains a peaceful and law-abiding kingdom committed to due process.
Speaking on behalf of the kingdom, a community representative explained that the dispute involves land situated along the Kwale Road axis, opposite Ewulu, an area the community insists falls within its traditional boundary.
He alleged that the neighbouring Ogwashi-Uku community, under the leadership of its traditional ruler, Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, had recently moved heavy equipment, including bulldozers and caterpillars, onto the land, resulting in the demolition of a perimeter fence around Soarstar College of Nursing Sciences school located on the property.
According to him, the action was carried out in the presence of security personnel, with reports that tear gas was dispersed when community members attempted to question the development.
The Abah-Unor leadership maintained that the kingdom has historically coexisted peacefully with its neighbours and has no subsisting land dispute with Ogwashi-Uku over the area in question.
They noted that previous disagreements involving other parties had been resolved amicably, including matters that were once before the court.
The community expressed surprise at the recent developments, suggesting that the presence of ongoing institutional projects on the land may have attracted renewed interest.
Reaffirming their respect for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s peace-driven agenda, the community commended his efforts in promoting harmony across Delta State and appealed for his intervention in line with his administration’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
They disclosed that formal petitions have been submitted to the state government, the DSS, and the Commissioner of Police, requesting an impartial investigation and dialogue between the parties.
The kingdom emphasized that it has consistently restrained its youths and discouraged any form of retaliation, choosing instead to rely on lawful and institutional mechanisms.
“We are a peace-loving community. We do not take laws into our hands, and we do not want violence.
“That is why we called this press conference, to let the Delta State Government know what is happening in our community.
“We respect our Governor and appreciate his efforts in promoting peace across the state. That is why we are appealing to him to intervene in this matter.
“We are not from Ogwashi-Uku. We are an autonomous kingdom with our own boundaries, and we do not understand why anyone should encroach into our bush and land with bulldozers.
“When they came with caterpillars and security personnel, the fence around the school was pulled down. Our people were shocked.
“We have written several petitions to the Governor, the DSS, and the Commissioner of Police because we believe in due process.
“For years, we have lived in peace. There was no dispute over this land when our forefathers were alive.
“We have been patient and have continued to beg our youths to remain calm. We will not allow this situation to degenerate into violence.
“It is the government that has the power to act. We are waiting for them to call both parties together and resolve the issue peacefully.
“We do not take laws into our hands. We are peace-loving people. We want the government to look into this matter and invite both parties for dialogue so that the truth about the land boundaries can be established,” the king and others who spoke noted.
Abah-Unor Kingdom concluded by expressing confidence in the state government and security agencies to ensure justice, protect lives and property, and preserve the longstanding peace in Aniocha South.
As of press time, efforts by The Story to reach the monarch and the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku, Odogwu Ibe, for comments were unsuccessful.
