By Eseoghene Emuke
The apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Udu people, Union of Udu Communities (UUC), has condemned in strong terms the 7-day ultimatum reportedly issued Ijaws resident in Udu council to leave by a yet-to-be identified group.
UUC said an alleged flyer where the ultimatum was issued which had gone viral on social media does not enjoy the support of Udu leaders and Ovie of Udu Kingdom and his subjects.
A statement issued by the Secretary-General of UUC, Mr. Patrick Okorugbo on behalf of the President-General of the Union of Udu Communities (UUC) warned that no individual or group of persons has the right to issue such ultimatum without the approval and knowledge of Udu leaders.
While refuting the ultimatum, the statement said ultimatum was the handwork of disgruntled elements who intend to leverage on the Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh land dispute to cause disaffection between Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic nationalities.
He warned that whoever was behind the said ultimatum should be ready to face the consequences as Udu or Urhobo is not ready or preparing to go to war over the dispute which the state government is already handling.
The statement informed that the security agencies have been put on notice and that soon, those behind the flyer would be fished out and brought to book.
The Union of Udu Communities also allayed the fears that might arise from the said ultimatum, which the faceless and disgruntled elements put between August 11th and 17th, stressing that there are no Udu war lords anywhere and so, the ultimatum should be discountenance as antics of dubious war-mongers who wants to cause unwarranted stampede and tension in state.
The statement also called on community Chairmen to be vigilant and to report any untoward activities by hoodlums against settlers to the authorities and security agencies for immediate action, calling on Ijaw settlers in Udu to be calm and go about their duties as no such action and ultimatum is being contemplated by anybody against them in Udu Kingdom.
