Alagbabiri Seeks Govt Intervention Over Lingering Boundary Dispute
The Ughelli South community says oil discovery worsened land tensions after an August 3 clash, as police report restored normalcy.
Residents of Alagbabiri Community in Eghwu District, Ughelli South Local Council of Delta State, have called for urgent government intervention to resolve a lingering boundary dispute with neighbouring communities.
The community made the appeal during a media interaction on Tuesday, citing alleged encroachment and recent attacks involving residents of neighbouring communities.
The President-General of Alagbabiri Community, Chief Ekpobimi Philip, said tensions escalated following an August 3 incident in which some Alagbabiri youths were allegedly intercepted by individuals from neighbouring communities while carrying out legitimate activities.
Philip said the discovery of oil in the area had intensified disputes over land, boundaries and economic benefits, urging the Federal and Delta State governments, security agencies and relevant boundary authorities to establish the facts and provide a lasting solution.
He commended the Delta State Police Command, Department of State Services and other authorities for their intervention, saying their efforts had prevented the situation from escalating.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the land dispute and said its intervention had restored normalcy.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said, “Both communities have been having issues over land, but the police have handled the situation and restored normalcy.”
The community urged the authorities to protect lives and property and establish a permanent framework for resolving the boundary dispute.
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