In recent years, Delta State has been increasingly embroiled in violent land disputes, many of which have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of properties, and widespread unrest. These conflicts, often stemming from unresolved boundary issues, illegal land sales, and historical grievances between neighboring communities, continue to escalate. As the Delta State government grapples with these persistent challenges, it faces mounting pressure to implement comprehensive and lasting solutions. Without decisive action, the crisis threatens to undermine not only peace in affected communities but also the economic and social stability of the entire state.
Land disputes are not a new phenomenon in Delta State. The state, located in Nigeria’s oil rich Niger Delta region, has long been a flashpoint for conflicts, many of which can be traced back to the pre-colonial era. Communities often have competing claims to land ownership, a situation exacerbated by the lack of clear land boundaries and official documentation. Over time, as population pressures and economic development intensified, these disputes grew more violent, with many turning deadly.
One of the most infamous land disputes in Delta State involves the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities in Udu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs). For decades, these two neighboring communities have clashed over contested land along their shared boundary. Despite several government interventions, including peace talks and boundary demarcation efforts, the dispute has led to numerous casualties and the destruction of homes and businesses on both sides.
The human toll of these conflicts has been staggering. Hundreds of lives have been lost in land related violence over the past two decades. Many victims are innocent bystanders, caught in the crossfire as armed youth groups from warring communities engage in deadly clashes. The recent deaths of 17 military personnel deployed to keep the peace between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in March 2024 is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of these disputes.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the psychological impact on survivors, particularly women and children, is profound. Families who lose loved ones or are displaced by the violence often find it difficult to recover, both emotionally and financially. Children are frequently forced out of school, and many displaced families live in makeshift camps, unable to return to their homes for fear of renewed violence.
In addition to the loss of life, land disputes in Delta State have caused widespread destruction of property and public infrastructure. In several cases, entire villages have been razed to the ground during clashes, leaving thousands of residents homeless, just like the recent Okuama scenario. Businesses have also been targeted, with markets and shops looted or burned, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by affected communities.
Public infrastructure, including schools, health centers, and roads, has not been spared. In some areas, the destruction has been so severe that rebuilding efforts have stalled, leaving communities without essential services. For instance, the Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa communities, which have been embroiled in a bitter land dispute for years, have seen the destruction of several public buildings, including health facilities that served both communities.
The economic consequences of these land disputes extend beyond the affected communities. Delta State, which is one of Nigeria’s key oil producing regions, relies heavily on the stability of its rural areas for agricultural production and trade. When communities are engulfed in conflict, farmers are unable to access their land, leading to reduced crop yields and food shortages. This, in turn, drives up the prices of basic commodities, further straining the state’s economy.
Moreover, the recurring violence deters investors, both local and foreign, from establishing businesses in the state. Potential investors are wary of putting their money into regions where land ownership is contested and where there is a high risk of property being destroyed in communal clashes. The result is a slowdown in economic growth and development, which has long term implications for the state’s prosperity.
One of the key factors contributing to the persistence of these land disputes is the lack of accountability among key stakeholders. In many cases, traditional rulers, local politicians, and community leaders have been accused of fueling the conflicts by selling communal land illegally or taking sides in the disputes. Some leaders have been found to have profited from the sale of disputed land, further inflaming tensions between communities.
The case of the Ewulu land crisis is a prime example. Allegations that certain community leaders were involved in the illegal sale of land, and that the proceeds were funneled into private pockets, have only deepened mistrust within the community. The murder of Ezimechine Agenu, a community leader, during a peace meeting has further escalated tensions, with many residents now unwilling to engage in dialogue without assurances of impartiality from the authorities.
The Delta State government has made several attempts to resolve the ongoing land disputes, albeit with mixed results. Over the years, successive administrations have set up commissions of inquiry to investigate the root causes of the conflicts and recommend solutions. For example, the Prof. Ekoko’s Panel on Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja was established in 2016 to address the long-standing dispute between the two communities.
While these commissions have produced detailed reports and recommendations, implementation has often been slow or incomplete. In many cases, the recommendations of the panels are not fully enforced, allowing the disputes to fester. This has led to widespread frustration among affected communities, who feel that the government is not doing enough to protect their lives and property.
The administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made conflict resolution a priority, particularly in relation to land disputes. One of the notable successes of the administration was the recent resolution of the Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja conflict, which had defied resolution for decades. Through a series of peace negotiations and the involvement of both community and state actors, a peace agreement was finally reached, and both communities have begun to implement the terms of the accord.
In response to the growing violence in other parts of the state, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, recently announced a ban on land sales in disputed areas, particularly in Ogwashi-Uku. This measure is aimed at preventing further illegal transactions that could spark fresh violence. Additionally, a new Commission of Inquiry into Boundary Disputes and Communal Clashes in Ogwashi-Uku has been inaugurated to investigate the root causes of the conflict and propose lasting solutions.
The role of security forces in managing land disputes has also come under scrutiny. While the Nigerian military and police have been deployed to quell violence in some of the most affected areas, their presence has not always resulted in lasting peace. In some cases, the security forces have been accused of being biased, taking sides in the disputes, or using excessive force. This has further eroded public trust in the government’s ability to manage the crisis effectively.
The tragic deaths of military personnel in the Okuama-Okoloba conflict highlight the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in volatile areas. Without proper training in conflict resolution and mediation, security personnel may inadvertently escalate tensions rather than defuse them.
Read also: Delta Govt arrest man who protest over bad road condition
For the State to achieve lasting peace, the government must adopt a holistic approach to resolving land disputes. This involves not only addressing the immediate causes of the conflicts but also tackling the underlying issues that have allowed these disputes to persist for so long. One crucial step is the clear demarcation of land boundaries, with the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness.
Additionally, the government must implement land use laws that prevent the illegal sale of communal land and hold accountable those who violate these laws. Traditional rulers and community leaders who are found to have contributed to the violence through their actions or inactions should be prosecuted and removed from positions of authority.
Building trust between communities is another essential component of the peacebuilding process. The government should invest in initiatives that promote dialogue and mediation between warring communities. This could involve setting up local peace committees made up of respected elders, youth leaders, and women’s groups who can serve as mediators during times of tension.
These committees can also work to educate communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence and the benefits of resolving disputes through dialogue rather than violence. By fostering a culture of peace and understanding, the government can help prevent future conflicts from arising.
Finally, the government must strengthen local institutions that can help manage land disputes at the grassroots level. This includes empowering local courts to handle land cases more efficiently and ensuring that their decisions are respected by all parties involved. By decentralizing conflict resolution mechanisms, the government can reduce the burden on the state’s judicial system and provide quicker resolutions to land disputes.
Delta State’s land dispute crisis is a complex and deeply rooted problem that requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to resolve. The recurring violence has taken a heavy toll on the state’s residents, economy, and public infrastructure. However, with decisive action from the government, in partnership with community leaders and civil society organizations, there is hope for a lasting solution.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration has already made significant strides in resolving some of the state’s most intractable conflicts, but much more needs to be done. By addressing the root causes of these disputes, enforcing land use laws, and promoting dialogue and trust between communities, Delta State can pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future. The time to act is now.
