By Onome Oghenetega
The authorities of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State have suspended the traditional rulers of Igbide and Emede Kingdoms over the clash that resulted in the killings and destruction of properties in the two Isoko communities.
The council also declared the President-General of Igbide community wanted over the incident.
This was contained in a statement issued by Mr. Okah Akpotha Fidelis, Chief Press Secretary to the Isoko South council chairman, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo,on Friday.
It said the decision was reached at the end of an emergency security meeting of the council at its secretariat at Oleh.
The suspended traditional rulers are the Ovie of Igbide Kingdom, Edward Obukeni and Ovie of Emede Kingdom, Johnson Ewhiri.
The security council also imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew starting by 6pm today (Friday) on both warring communities.
The statement reads, “Igbide-Emede Carnage: Isoko South Local Government Security Council Announces 24-Hrs Indefinite Curfew in Igbide, Emede.
“The Isoko South Local Government Security Council arising from an emergency security meeting on the recent killings, arson and criminality in Igbide and Emede communities reached the following resolutions.
“Declare killing, wanton destruction and arson acts of extreme criminality.
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“Declares 24 hours indefinite curfew in Igbide and Emede communities from 6pm today 11th December, 2020. Offenders to be severely punished.
“Suspends Salaries of Ovies of Igbide and Emede, to officially communicate recommendation of retrieval of monarchs Staff Of Offices to the Delta State Government
“Government siezes to recognise President Generals of Igbide and Emede communities. To communicate decisions to companies and institutions operating in both communities.
“President General of Igbide declared wanted.”
No fewer than five persons alleged to have been killed since the outbreak of violence on Wednesday between both communities, while properties worth millions of naira had been destroyed.
The two isoko communities have been at loggerheads for years as a result of boundary dispute.
The age-long boundary dispute between 1986 and 1987 caused the death of over a hundred persons and destruction of several houses.
