Ex - Delta Commissioner  Pirah Condemns Ogidigben Crisis, Calls for Calm, Accountability

Former Delta State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Omamofe Joseph Pirah has strongly condemned the recent crisis in Ogidigben Community, Delta State, which led to the death of Mr. Emiko Onuwaje and the destruction of several houses, describing the incident as deeply regrettable and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on the matter, Pirah, a leader from Ogidigben Community, expressed profound sadness over the loss of life and destruction of property, noting that sustained efforts had been made over the years to promote peace and development in Ogidigben and the wider Ugborodo confederated communities.

He emphasized that every member of the community has the legitimate right to aspire to leadership positions within the Community Management Committee or the Trust, provided such aspirations are driven by genuine intentions for community development. According to him, such ambitions should never degenerate into antagonism, violence, or attacks against fellow community members.

Pirah further observed that the community faces numerous unresolved challenges, particularly in its dealings with International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area, especially on issues of employment and development. He stressed that the current situation calls for unity and a collective approach to addressing these concerns rather than internal conflict.

Appealing for restraint and calm, Pirah reminded community members that they are bound together as brothers and sisters facing common external challenges, warning that turning aggression inward would only weaken their collective strength.

He called on the Eghare-Aja, the Olaja-Orori, and other leaders within Ugborodo to urgently convene and engage His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, with a view to resolving the issues that triggered the hostilities and restoring unity and inclusiveness within the community.

Pirah also urged security agencies to act decisively by investigating the crisis and ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice, stressing that there must be no sacred cows, as accountability would serve as a deterrent to future occurrences.

He concluded by offering prayers for God to grant the immediate family of the deceased the strength to bear their loss, while calling for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the community.

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