Oleh 12: What Delta government plans to do as tension rises in Isoko land

Delta State Government has directed the constitution of a judicial panel of inquiry to unravel the actual and remote causes of the killings reported in Oleh community, Isoko South Local Government Area.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made this known when he led a high-powered delegation to condole with the Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom, HRM A.W.O Ovrawah, over the gruesome murder of 12 persons on October 16, 2020.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, Governor Okowa assured justice for the Oleh community, stressing that those connected with the crime will be exposed and made to face the law.

Recognizing the calmness of the Oleh community in the face of provocation, Governor Okowa acknowledged the resilience, toils and commitment of the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon Malik Ikpokpo as well as security agencies towards maintaining law and order.

‘’Violence anywhere is a threat to peace and harmony everywhere. I want to assure you that everyone who has a link whatsoever and in any form with this heinous crime would be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law.

’’While praying for the repose of the souls of the victims of the attack, we urge you to remain calm and avoid actions or utterances which may have the capacity to heat up the area and probably lead to reprisal activities and which may also lead to further avoidable deaths’’ Governor Okowa said.

Responding, HRM Ovrawah and the President-General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alaka among others who spoke, expressed confidence in the Governor’s promise to ensure justice for the slain victims, even as they pledged to remain peaceful.

The government delegation included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing Development and Urban Renewal, Senator Emmanuel Agwariavwodo; Special Adviser on Neigbourhood Watch, Emmauel Ogidi; Executive Assistant on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Mrs. Irene Imilar and member representing Isoko South Constituency (II) Hon Ferguson Onwo.

Others were  Hon Victor Emueheri; Senior Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Hon Afokeoghene Irogbo, the Local Government Chairman, Hon Malik Ikpokpo and the Senior Special Assistant on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Hon..VICTOR OKUMAGBA