The women from Okoloba community in Bomadi local government area protested over the alleged return of armed youths from Okuama in Ughelli South local government area, whom they claim are threatening the peace of the riverine area.
The women, carrying placards, were led by Mrs. Timipakebi Goodwin, the chairlady of Okoloba community, and Mrs. Mary Koibi, the secretary. They staged a peace protest wearing black attire along the coastal fringe of Okoloba community, chanting against violence and bloodshed, and also sending an S.O.S. to the federal government for assistance.
Some of the messages on the placards included:
“We reject violence,” “Stop the killings in our community,” “Armed Okuama youths returning in a military fashion,” “We oppose the return of armed youths from Okuama,” “Resettle Okuama residents with their Ewu counterparts in Ughelli South LGA,” “We grieve the loss of the 17 soldiers,” and others.
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Mrs. Goodwin, the chairlady of Okoloba, addressed reporters with a prepared statement provided to security agencies, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, JTF, and the acting chairman of Bomadi local government council.
She pointed out that the recent killings by Okuama youths demonstrated their propensity for violence even over minor issues.
The women’s statements, along with the prepared address, included the following sentiments: “Firstly, we, the women of Okoloba community, extend our condolences for the loss of 17 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian army during a peacekeeping mission to Okuama, following the abduction of our fellow community member.
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We deeply mourn their premature deaths and pray for the repose of their souls.
Our thoughts are also with their families during this difficult time.”
However, less than 24 hours after the military’s departure from Okuama, a new conflict erupted with a neighboring community, resulting in one death and serious injuries to three others.
The deceased and the injured, who sustained machete wounds, were reportedly involved in looting.
This recent killing highlights the readiness of Okuama residents to resort to violence at the slightest provocation, disregarding the value of human life.
It also underscores the lack of safety for neighboring Ijaw communities like Okoloba.”
“So, relocating the people of Okuama to their current location, which lies between communities in Bomadi local government area, risks further communal conflicts and bloodshed.
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Just last week, youths from Okuama emerged from the Mein-toruabubor creek, leading to Ewu, aboard three speedboats, all wearing camouflage.
They fired shots into the air before heading to Okuama. They repeated this maneuver three times, each time firing their guns into the air at the creek entrance.
We urge the federal government to intervene, and the solution to these ongoing clashes and killings is to relocate Okuama to the Ewu clan in Ughelli South Local Government Area, where they rightfully belong. Settling them among their own people in the Ewu clan of Urhobo land will promote mutual trust, as they share the same ancestry and language.”
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