By Akpokona Omafuaire, Ughelli
The leadership of Oviri-Olomu, an agrarian community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, has petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene and prevent a potential bloodbath following an alleged attack on its indigenes by youths from Egodor Community in Burutu Local Government Area.
In the petition signed by the President-General of Oviri-Olomu, Engr. Peter Arumala, the community stated that there is no ongoing boundary dispute between them and Egodor, emphasizing their long-standing peaceful coexistence.
The petition read in part: “We, the peace-loving people of Oviri-Olomu Federated Communities in Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, write to bring to your urgent attention the unprovoked attacks, intimidation, and unlawful land encroachment orchestrated by Mr. Emmanuel Council, a staff of Burutu Local Government Council, and his cohorts from Egodor (Ughotor) Community in Burutu LGA.”
The community described Oviri-Olomu as a peaceful farming and fishing settlement that has coexisted harmoniously with its neighbors, including Egodor, Kiagbodo, Bikorogha, Agbodobrin, and Okoloba, for centuries.
They insisted that their boundaries with these communities have been naturally and historically established, with no existing land disputes.
The petition accused Mr. Emmanuel Council, who allegedly refers to himself as the “Chairman, Oil and Gas, Egodor”, of leading a series of violent actions against Oviri-Olomu.
On March 8, 2025, he allegedly mobilized armed youths to attack and chase away Oviri-Olomu farmers, preventing them from accessing their farmland.
On the same day, he reportedly led another group to disrupt construction work by a contractor engaged by Blue Star Gas Ltd., which had legally acquired land from an Oviri-Olomu family.
The attackers allegedly demanded that the contractor must re-negotiate the land deal with Egodor Community before proceeding with the project.
The confrontation escalated into a brawl, forcing workers and farmers to flee for safety.
In light of the security threat, the community urged Governor Oborevwori and relevant authorities to:
Call Mr. Emmanuel Council and his sponsors to order to prevent further escalation.
Deploy security operatives to protect farmers and ensure contractors can work without harassment.
Conduct an urgent boundary verification exercise through the Delta State Boundary Committee to reaffirm historically recognized land demarcations.
Sanction those responsible for the attacks to deter further lawlessness.
Facilitate a peace dialogue between Oviri-Olomu and Egodor Community to resolve any underlying grievances legally and peacefully.
The Oviri-Olomu community reiterated that they have no pending land disputes with Egodor or any other neighboring community. They urged Egodor to seek redress through legal channels rather than resorting to intimidation and violence.
“We trust in Your Excellency’s leadership and commitment to peace, justice, and security. We appeal for swift intervention before this situation degenerates into a full-blown communal conflict. We stand for peace, not war.”
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