Written by Aghogho David from Okwagbe community in reply to earlier report from Owahwa
A family in Okwagbe Inland has a land dispute with a family in Owahwa, which was taken to the high court in Ughelli and was decided in favour of the family from Okwagbe Inland.
The family in Okwagbe then shared the land within their wards. The family in Owahwa took the issue to the whole community, sent boys from the community to beat and rape women from the family in Okwagbe who farm in the said land.
They also went ahead to destroy buildings/ houses belonging to Okwagbe that are in the land too.
The issue was reported to the police in zone 5 and arrest was made on 27th October 2021. Owahwa then gave ultimatum to the whole Okwagbe community that “if their people who are arrested are not released before 10am the following day Okwagbe should prepare for war”.
Okwagbe being a peace loving and law abiding community overlooked their seeming threat. Exactly 10am the next day, we heard sporadic heavy gun shots and war songs at the entrance of Okwagbe town.
They invaded the town and killed two persons who were going about their daily legitimate business to make both ends meet. The two people are Comrade Faith Miller from Ejavwe quarters and Mr. Gbona Kama from Imigbu quarters both of Okwagbe town.
There was apprehension everywhere in the community. Okwagbe being peace loving and law-abiding people called on the police in Otu-Jeremi town and army in Otorogun Gas plant who came to the aid of the community. It was terrible on that day.
The following day being October 29, 2021, the Owahwa people made attempt to strike through the Oginibo road via Imigbu quarters, but it was foiled by the security agents. That day was Okwagbe market day.
People started deserting Okwagbe community because of these incessant attacks for no just cause.
On October 30, 2021, which was Saturday, by 5.00pm there was heavy thunder storm followed by lightening and rain, the Owahwa people invaded the Okwagbe community the third time consecutively with sophisticated guns and ammunitions through the Otutuama road.
There was rain of bullets for about one hour and thirty minutes. On this day they killed four persons, beheaded one and abducted two persons.
Okwagbe is a son of Ukpedi and Ukpedi is the son Ughievwen. Ukpedi, Owahwa, Uvwurie and Orhoghwo are children (sons) of Ughievwen.
We have called on our king, the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM. Matthew Igbi, Owahwa II, JP to look into the issue with immediate effect to avert further destruction of lives and properties.
Upon receiving the complaint of Okwagbe and ascertained the level of damaged done to Okwagbe by Owahwa people, he sent a condolence message to the peaceful people of Okwagbe community.
Okwagbe is the largest and most populated community in Ughelli South. The major source/means of livelihood of the people is trading. It is known for its peace and accommodating nature.
We call on the federal, state and local government to come to our aid. The community has become a shadow of itself. Since the onslaught of Owahwa people on Okwagbe community, they have seized fifteen motor bikes (Okada) and ten tricycles (keke napep) belonging to Okwagbe people.
This is the condolence message from the Oka-Baro of Ughievwen traditional ruler to his people
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES:
On behalf of the Okobaro Royal Palace & the good and peaceful people of Ughievwen at home and in diaspora, l convey our condolences to all bereaved families, The Chairman & Exco and all sons and daughters of Okwagbe community over the unfortunate and unwarranted killing of innocent sons of the community.
It is unheard of in the history of Ughievwen Kingdom and it is absolutely regretted and rejected in its entirety. We dissociate ourselves from these ugly happenings.
As brothers of the same father, Ughievwen, in our own place, this kind of taste for blood shouldn’t be demonstrated among us at all. Too bad.
We are seriously on the matter to ensure peace & normalcy return to the environment. We are also collaborating with law enforcement agents & Govt officials on the way forward. In the meantime, pls accept our condolences. We apologise for all the inconveniences.
Omughievwen Omufo!!!
HRM The Okobaro of Ughievwen.
Photos of left over ammunitions used on the Okwagbe community were made available to our reporter.
According to the Okwagbe people, the photos were sent to Delta government house. Both community chairmen were invited where Okwagbe chairman was said to have presented some of the used cartridges. Report says Owahwa chairman was seriously questioned over the issue.
Gory photos of different dead bodies of Okwagbe people which were reportedly murdered by Owahwa people were made available to Emerald Editor but we cannot display them because of their appearance.
