Chidi Lloyd, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State, has called for peace and coexistence after a border clash involving violence between the Olua-Rumuodogo community in Emohua and the adjacent Bukuma community in Degema Local Government Area.
This plea was made during the on-the-spot assessment of Olua-Rumuodogo by the council chairman amid reports that the attack was carried out on Sunday by suspected perpetrators from the adjacent riverine community. The attack left casualties, several injuries, and extensive destruction of property.
At the palace of the traditional ruler of Olua-Rumuodogo, Dr. Lloyd made it clear how he condemned the killings and burning, noting that the use of violence was utterly unacceptable.
Early investigations point out that this attack could be retaliation after the discovery of the bodies of two fishermen missing from the Bukuma community in the shared border river.
Although the fishing nets of the dead fishermen were found in the hands of some Olua-Rumuodogo residents, Lloyd clarified that this finding was not sufficient proof of their guilt.
According to him, those suspects whose names have been linked to the discovered fishing gear have already been handed over to the police even before the attacks, and he advised both parties to let the investigations be done by the authorities.
As part of the efforts to avoid further conflicts, the Emohua council chairman indicated that he has begun negotiations with his fellow, the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Michael John Williams, together with some leaders of the Kalabari community.
Regarding the level of damage caused by the conflict, the Chairman of the Olua-Rumuodogo CDC, Azubuike Agbaraukwu, revealed that the attacks led to the loss of lives of at least two people, others were injured, while over seven houses were destroyed.
In addition, he indicated that some community members who fled to the neighboring forests were missing.
In his speech, Chief Mark Omeven Elekwachi, the traditional ruler of Olua-Rumuodogo, lauded the administration of the local government for its prompt reaction and restated the determination of his people towards reaching a non-violent agreement with their neighbors from Bukuma.
As a relief effort, Lloyd said that the local government council was ready to help ease the suffering of the displaced people.
He instructed the security agencies to be more vigilant in the area so that the displaced could come back home safely, while at the same time arranging machines to level the shoulders of the Rumuodogo Road and clear up the surroundings of the Olua Community School.
