A former commissioner for Oil and Gas and community leader in Delta State, Mr Omamofe Joseph Pirah, has condemned the violent crisis that rocked Ogidigben community in Delta State, describing the killing of Mr Onuwaje and the destruction of houses as tragic, shameful and unacceptable.
Pirah, in a strongly worded statement on Monday said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and property, noting that the incident struck at the heart of years of struggle to entrench peace and development in Ogidigben and the wider Ugborodo confederated communities.
He warned that while every indigene has a legitimate right to aspire to leadership positions within the Community Management Committee or the Trust, such ambitions must be driven by sincerity and the interest of development, not violence.
“Leadership aspirations must never degenerate into antagonism, bloodshed or attacks against brothers and sisters,” Pirah said.
The community leader lamented that Ogidigben and its neighbouring communities are already grappling with unresolved challenges, particularly in their engagements with International Oil Companies, including issues of employment and development.
According to him, internal violence would only weaken the community’s collective bargaining power and distract from confronting common external challenges.
Calling for restraint, Pirah appealed to residents to remain calm and remember their shared bonds, stressing that turning aggression inward would only deepen divisions and setbacks.
He urged key stakeholders, including the Eghare-Aja, the Olaja-Orori and other leaders within Ugborodo, to urgently convene and engage the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, to address the root causes of the crisis and restore unity, inclusiveness and peace.
Pirah also called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the violence and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
“There must be no sacred cows. Accountability is essential and will serve as a deterrent to future violence,” he said.
He prayed for divine comfort for the family of the deceased and demanded an immediate cessation of all hostilities in the community.
