Protesters threaten Delta government

Tens of settlers opposite the NPA Miller Waterside in Warri, claiming to be members of Lotiebiri Community have threatened the Delta State government that they will not allow the fencing of the parcel of land close to Ugbori and Ekurede Itsekiri communities unless the state government pays them compensation for “destroying their houses and shops”.

The protesters who gathered as early as 9: am today Wednesday June 4 at the disputed land (opposite Miller Waterside) carried placards with inscriptions such as “Uduaghan Na Peace We Want, Pay Our Damages,” Government Na Peace We need oooh, We understand the game ooooh,” Peace-Yes, Violence X, Government pay our compensation”, “We are homeless for about 18 months. Tompolo where are you?” “Uduaghan have mercy for Izon people”, and “Chief S.Y. Mamamu (Regent) Ogbe_ Ijoh Warri Kingdom come to our require (sic) (requirement)”.

Chairman of the settlers, Bossman Azazi who spoke exclusively to Fresh Angle Correspondents on behalf of the protesting women and youths said they were forcedly evicted from their homes by armed soldiers led by one civilian of Itsekiri extraction, Jerry Ogbeyan December 28, 2012.

Azazi who alleged that the eviction had political undertone, acknowledged that there are speculations that some of their kinsmen may have been compensated, but quipped that such speculations was debunked by the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Frank Omare.

He insisted that until the compensation is paid, they will not allow Chief Boro Opodu, a PDP Chieftain of Ijaw extraction whose company was awarded the contract for the perimeter fencing of the parcel of land to execute the project, even as he appealed to the state government to immediately intervene to avert fresh crisis in Warri between Itsekiri and Ijaw.

A Warri Chief, Roland Omagbemi was quoted to have said in a Vanguard publication of January 17, 2013 that the said parcel of land where the protesters settled before the demolition by the Delta State government belongs to Ugbori Community, Warri.

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