The Deputy President of the Senate (DSP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, is shocked and saddened by the reported killing of nine persons, including a child, in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta state last Friday.
Omo-Agege in a statement issued in Abuja, Sunday, believes that the situation demands urgent and pragmatic efforts to prevent further bloodletting.
According to him, “Respected political, traditional, religious, women and youth leaders within and without Isoko need to preach restraint, de-escalate the situation and help to quickly restore genuine peace to the land’ .
He added that it is by divine order that Isoko and Urhobo are historically good neighbours with strong filial, marital and lingual affinities. Whatever touches Isoko touches Urhobo, and vice versa.
Omo- Agege in the statement said he was genuinely concerned about the reported killings and bloody violence, and is ready to do whatever is necessary for peace to reign.
He as well recognised the all-important duty of the Delta state government to maintain internal security in the state by calling on Delta state Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, and his team, to work diligently to ensure that acts that are capable of leading to more bloodshed or violence are responsibly, urgently and sustainably curtailed.
“There is no alternative to peace. Where there are perceived injustices or wrongs, lawful processes should be followed. Isoko’s unity and progress are on trial and it is the duty of all responsible leaders and stakeholders to ensure these common interests are not sacrificed on the altars of violent reprisals and in-fighting.
“Let all persons involved in this matter cooperate with both the Local and State governments as well as relevant federal authorities to restore and maintain the peace in Isoko”, he said .
Omo-Agege said he was ready to engage with Senator James Manager representing Delta South Senatorial district and other leaders on the matter for the overall good of the people.
In the meantime, he has directed his Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Col. Melvin Usman (rtd), to immediately liaise with relevant authorities and stakeholders on the de-escalation of the situation.
The two communities involved in the renewed hostilities in the state are in Isoko South and North local government area councils.
