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By Oghenekevwe Arase
A prominent professional organization in the Urhobo ethnic nationality in Delta State, League of Udu Professionals, LUP, has called upon the Nigerian Military’s authorities to exercise control over its personnel.
The group accuses the military of taking sides with the aggressor in the renewed dispute between Aladja Community and Ogbe-Ijoh Community in Delta State.
In a released signed by the spokesperson of the group, Mr. Famous Akpojotor, the group said “the role of Nigerian military personnel deployed to the area are contrary to rules of engagement.”
The group call on the Ogbe-Ijoh youths and their mercenaries to immediately halt the unprovoked attacks on the people of Aladja Community that has resulted to loss of lives and properties.
The statement read:
“URGENT PRESS RELEASE
STOP THE UNPROVOKED ATTACKS ON ALADJA COMMUNITY
Concerned by the unfolding and worrisome situation, the League of Udu Professionals (LUP) condemn in entirety, the unprovoked attacks on Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State by Ogbe-Ijoh youths and their mercenaries, which have resulted in the needless loss of lives and properties.
We demand an immediate stop to the recent brutal aggression launched by these Ijaw youths in Warri South West LGA. The attack is indicative of an expansionist tendency to subjugate the high-spirited Aladja people and lay claim to their ancestral lands. This move is unacceptable and collectively rejected by the Udu people, who have remained hospitable.
It is worth noting that Udu land is currently home to persons from across Nigeria and the globe, plying their trades and resident without fear or intimidation. It is, however, evident that Ogbe-Ijoh youths are mistaking this cordial disposition as an act of vulnerability; hence, the incessant attacks on Aladja community.
More worrisome is the reported unprofessional role of Nigerian military personnel in the area. Contrary to rules of engagement, the Army detachment led by one Major Solomon Nwakuda appears to have taken side with the aggressor, by perpetuating indiscriminate detention, intentional destruction of properties, and violation of the rights of the Aladja people.
Against this backdrop, it is the considered position of the League of Udu Professionals that the federal and state governments can no longer overlook the worrisome situation in Aladja Community.
We implore the relevant authorities to intervene urgently to douse tension and maintain peace. In addition, we call on the authorities to revisit the recent effort by the state government to amicably resolve the dispute. F
urthermore, we urge the military hierarchy to call its men to order and to investigate their involvement in this crisis.
A stitch in time saves nine.”
Mr. Famous Akpojotor
For: League of Udu Professionals (LUP)
