The Oviri-Olomu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has petitioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, raising concerns over an alleged attack by members of the neighbouring Ijaw community of Egodor, in Burutu Local Government Area.
In a petition signed by the community’s President-General, Arumala, the residents urged the state government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis.
“We, the peace-loving people of Oviri-Olomu Federated Communities in Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, write to bring to your urgent attention the unprovoked attacks, intimidation, and unlawful land encroachment orchestrated by Mr. Emmanuel Council, a staff of Burutu Local Government Council, and his cohorts from Egodor (Ughotor) Community in Burutu Local Government Area.
“Oviri-Olomu, an agrarian and fishing settlement, had historically coexisted peacefully with its neighbors, including Egodor, Kiagbodo, Bikorogha, Agbodobrin, and Okoloba,” the community alleged.
It added that on March 8, 2025, Mr. Emmanuel Council led a group of armed youths from Egodor to attack and chase away Oviri-Olomu farmers, preventing them from accessing their farmlands.
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“The same day, the group allegedly disrupted the work of a contractor engaged by Blue Star Gas Limited, despite the company having legally acquired the said land from an Oviri-Olomu family for its project site.
“This unlawful act led to a brawl, forcing the workers and farmers to flee for their safety,” the petition stated.
The community called on the state government to intervene immediately by summoning those responsible for the alleged attacks, deploying security operatives to protect their farmers, and ensuring that contractors can carry out their work without harassment.
There has been no official response from the state government or security agencies regarding the petition.
