By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Nigerian Army has deployed troops to the coastal communities of Ugborodo and Ogidigben in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State following a surge in violence that threatened peace and stability in the area.
The deployment was carried out by the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, after rising tensions fuelled by allegations and counter-allegations between the feuding communities.
The Army said the move was necessary to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
In a statement issued in Warri on Wednesday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, said the Brigade had taken note of attempts by some individuals to prolong the crisis, warning that such actions would not be tolerated.
He confirmed that troops had been deployed and that the situation had been effectively brought under control, adding that security forces would remain on ground to sustain peace and stability in the area.
The unrest reportedly erupted last weekend following the killing of Emiko Onuwaje along a road in Ogidigben, an incident that sparked outrage and heightened tension across the Ugborodo axis.
Emiko Onuwaje
The killing was said to have occurred amid a simmering youth leadership tussle within Ogidigben, which allegedly led to the mobilisation of youths against perceived opponents.
Hours after the incident, the residence of Captain John Deja Okpeyor was reportedly set ablaze by angry youths.
Okpeyor had earlier that day been installed as a chief of the Warri Kingdom, further complicating an already volatile situation.
In the aftermath of the violence, security presence was reinforced in parts of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to forestall reprisals and protect lives and property.
The Nigerian Army assured residents that the deployed troops would carry out their duties professionally, in line with constitutional provisions, the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights.
It reiterated that the military remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Warning against attempts to draw troops into communal disputes, the Army stressed that its objective is to ensure a peaceful resolution of the crisis and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, has appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
He urged them to continue to provide actionable intelligence on those seeking to exploit the situation, assuring that peace would be fully restored to Warri and its surrounding areas.
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