Violence erupted Tuesday between Sapele Okpe and Abigborodo communities in Delta State over a protracted land dispute.
Allegedly attacked while fishing, Sapele Okpe resident Patrick Gageche sustained gunshot wounds during the clash.
Meanwhile, Sapele Okpe leaders publicly denounced the incident, accusing Abigborodo youth leader Ephraim Mebradu of orchestrating the attack.
They claimed Mebradu acted on his community’s orders to intimidate Sapele Okpe and seize disputed lands.
Furthermore, they alleged prominent Abigborodo figure Emmanuel Uduaghan used falsified documents to support territorial claims.
Citing colonial-era records, including a 1933 ordinance, they dismissed judicial rulings favoring Abigborodo as fabricated.
Additionally, Sapele Okpe representatives reported sustained harassment since 2019, including wrongful murder and kidnapping charges against members.
They labeled these tactics as attempts to suppress resistance.
“Resolve land disputes legally, not through force,” leaders urged, challenging opponents to present evidence in court.
They demanded federal and state intervention to investigate Gageche’s shooting and disband armed groups.
However, Sapele Okpe leaders appealed for calm, prioritizing legal and diplomatic solutions over retaliation.
“Violence worsens crises,” they warned, urging restraint.
Stakeholders pressed Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to mediate urgently, implementing transparent solutions to prevent further destabilization.
