The Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to intervene on the brewing communal clash between Obazuwa and Ikoro communities in Edo state.
Obazuwa,a Bini community recently attacked Ikoro, headquarters of Olodiama kingdom, while the Ijaws were celebrated a feast.
The attack was followed with series of threats of a retaliation by youths of Ikoro and other communities under Olodiama.
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In a statement sent obtained by Daily Report Nigeria, the IYC condemned the attack on Ikoro, describing it as “unnecessary and unfortunate.”
The statement signed by the trio of Doubra Okotete – Chairman, Olu-Derimon Omaghomi – Secretary and Lugard Izoukumor – Information Officer, called for peace, while tasking the governor to intervene swiftly.
“The attack by Obazuwa Community to the Ijaw Community is not needed at a time where the Niger Delta is confronted with so many challenges including the Petroleum Industry Bill, restructuring, the pollution of Niger Delta lands by oil exploration and gas flaring, and of course, the debate of devolution of power in Nigeria.
“Hence, IYC calls on Governor Godwin Obaseki to intervene by calling leaders of Obazuwa Community for restraint, decorum and embrace peace.
“Consequently, Governor Obaseki should put conflict resolution methods by opening the windows for constructive dialogue and engage critical stakeholders from Ikoro and Obazuwa Communities in Edo State to remedy this unnecessary dispute.
“The Ijaw people of Edo State like other Ijaws in Delta, Ondo, Rivers to name a few that cut across the Nigerian State are peace lovers who have continuously advocated for unity, peaceful-coexistence and the stability of these various States and the Nigerian State at large.
“So, the IYC believes it will be in the interest of the Edo State Government, the Ijaw people of Olodiama and by extension the Ijaws of Edo State, Obazuwa Community and other ethnic groups in Edo State to live in peace because peace is the only panacea for sustainable economic development,” the ground said.
