Youths in Ogwashi Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South local government area of Delta State have protested against the alleged activities of land grabbers from neighbouring communities.
Protesters accused land merchants from neighboring Ibusa community of Oshimili South LGA of infiltrating into their land, making it impossible for farmers to access their farmland just as hunters can no longer hunt in their own bush.
Armed with placards with different inscriptions including, ‘LGA Help Our Farmers and Hunters From Molestation and Intimidation On Our Farmlands’, ‘We Say No To Ibusa Land Grabbers’, ‘Help Us Restore Dignity’ the youths trooped out from Umuokwe, Umuneze, Umuonicha and Umu-Isagba Ogai all of Ogbe- Okwu as well as Ogbe Ahu/Ogbe Ani and Ogbe Ofu axis of the community, claiming that their land have been taken over by the merchants.
Led by the President General of Ogwashi Uku Youth Development Association, (OYDA), Comrade Stanley Chiedu, protesters took their grievances to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community.
Chiedu called on relevant authorities to come to the aid of the people of Ogwashi Uku as their inheritance has been taken in broad daylight.
“For over a long time, the respective farmers have been molested, their farm produce destroyed by elements suspected to be land grabbers from Ibusa Community.
“Today, they have decided to cry out to government authorities, security agencies and traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku for help. I’m standing to address Ogwashi Uku indigenes, our neighbors, Delta State at large and Nigeria that what is happening today in Ogwashi Uku bush is an eyesore, where people can no longer go to their farm safely, where our inheritance has been taken in a broad daylight without any recourse to anybody,” he said.
He added that the only source of livelihood for the community is farming which can no longer be practiced.
“Our brothers and youths on daily basis are being chased away, our women are being chased, our hunters can no longer hunt and these are what we are known for.
“We call on the local government chairman, the area commander, the DPO, the prescribed authority for Ogwashi-Uku to come to our aid today because as it stands, we can no longer take what is happening in the bush. We are aware that Ogwashi Uku people are law abiding,” he said.
Responding to the youths, Secretary to the Obi-ln-Council, Prince Ifeakanachuku Emordi assured that the land issues between Ogwashi Uku and Ibusa would be amicably resolved through legal process just as he commended the youths for their peaceful disposition.
Chairman of Aniocha South local government, Pastor Jude Chukuweike who was represented by the secretary of the council, Prince Tony Ebube explained that efforts have been made so far by the local administration to find a lasting peace to the boundary problems between the two communities.
Ebube said the chairman was working in synergy with his Oshimili North counterpart to bring an end to the crisis.
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