Ondo-Delta Crisis: Reps Demand Military Deployment, Boundary Demarcation
The House of Representatives has called for urgent federal intervention over escalating violence along the Ondo-Delta border, following reported attacks on Ilaje communities.
The call followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Donald Ojogo, who expressed concern over alleged attacks on communities including Odun Ebighan and Eke over the past four weeks.
Ojogo alleged that armed youths from Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State attacked the communities, reportedly burning homes and injuring several residents.
He said the violence was particularly troubling given the longstanding peaceful coexistence between the Ilaje and Itsekiri peoples, who share the affected border areas.
The lawmaker further warned that disputes over oil and gas-rich territories were being used to fuel tensions and create divisions between the neighbouring communities.
To restore order, the House urged the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately deploy personnel to the affected areas.
It also directed the National Boundary Commission to urgently demarcate the Ondo-Delta boundary and determine land ownership in the disputed areas.
The House further mandated its Committees on Emergency and Disaster Management and the Niger Delta Development Commission to provide immediate relief materials to displaced Ilaje residents, as efforts are made to prevent further escalation.
Enjoyed this? Get the morning brief.
News from Nigeria and Africa, in one free email every day.
