KOKO - The ethnic crisis between Itsekiris and the Ijaws which has led to the death of many persons has assumed a bizzare dimension following renewed onslaught by the Ijaws ethnic group on the Itsekiris.
Both of them are presently embroiled in serious communal clash over the true ownership of the crude oil in the community which is one of their natural endowement.
Investigation revealed that the Itsekiris were accused by the Ijaws of illegally occupying their land and taking advantage of their crude oil.
It was gathered that following several threats from the Ijaws against Itsekiri indigenes in the community and the Itsekiri’s refusal to vacate the community, the Ijaws were said to have invaded the homes of the Itsekiris following which many people lost their lives.
The Itsekiris who claimed that they are the original land owners and only gave parts of the land to the Ijaws for farming and fishing activities also said that the fight is because of the oil found in the land insisting that the land is theirs.
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Mr. Samuel Ukokheunmon, the Secretary to the Itsekiri community, Koko village and his brother, Alex Ukokheunmon is yet unknown as they were said to have fled from home after the killing of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ukokheunmon and the invaders burnt down their house during the crisis on September 26, 2008.
According to sources, Samuel Ukokheunmon disappeared from home following several threats and attempts to kill him by the Ijaws, because of his position as Secretary of the Itsekiri Community and he is in possession of the Itsekiri Constitution and vital documents of the Itsekiri in Koko.
They also revealed that the Ijaws are desperately combing all the nooks and crannies of Koko apparently to eliminate Mr. Samuel Ukokheunmon and possibly collect the constitution and other vital documents in his possession.
Meanwhile, as fighing continues in Koko town, Delta State over the crude oil controversy, there are clear indications that the police is yet to swiftly intervene in the matter.
The whereabouts of Samuel Ukokheunmon and his brothers, Alex is still unknown as at the time of writing this report.
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