Mr. Omamofe Joseph Pirah has publicly condemned the recent crisis in the Ogidigben Community of Delta State, which resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Onuwaje and the destruction of numerous homes. He characterized the incident as deeply regrettable and entirely unacceptable.
In a formal statement regarding the situation, Pirah, a prominent leader within the Ogidigben Community, expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of life and the damage to property.
He highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to foster peace and development in Ogidigben and the broader Ugborodo confederated communities.
Pirah emphasized that every community member possesses the legitimate right to seek leadership roles within the Community Management Committee or the Trust, provided their ambitions are rooted in genuine intentions for communal advancement.
He stressed that such aspirations should not escalate into hostility, violence, or attacks against fellow residents.
Furthermore, Pirah pointed out that the community continues to grapple with various unresolved issues, particularly concerning its interactions with International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the region, particularly in relation to employment opportunities and developmental initiatives.
He called for unity and a collective effort to tackle these challenges instead of succumbing to internal strife.
Urging community members to exercise restraint and maintain calm, Pirah reminded them that they are united as one family facing common external challenges. He cautioned that internal aggression would only serve to undermine their collective strength.
He called upon the Eghare-Aja, the Olaja-Orori, and other influential leaders within Ugborodo to convene urgently and engage with His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in order to address and resolve the underlying issues that sparked the recent hostilities, thereby restoring unity and inclusiveness in the community.
Additionally, Pirah urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action by investigating the crisis and ensuring that all individuals responsible are held accountable, emphasizing that accountability is vital to preventing future incidents and should apply to all, without exception.
In closing, he offered prayers for the family of the deceased, wishing them strength during this difficult time, and called for an immediate halt to all hostilities within the community.
