The Delta State Government has urged residents of Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku in Oshimili North and Aniocha South local government areas to maintain peace amid renewed tensions over a long-running boundary dispute.
Chief of Staff, Government House Asaba, Prince Johnson Erijo, made the appeal while addressing Ibusa community members who staged a peaceful protest at the Government House. The protesters called on the state government to enforce court judgments they say resolved the disputed land boundary.
Some demonstrators carried placards referencing a Supreme Court ruling and urging authorities to implement what they described as existing judgments. Speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Erijo commended the community for conducting a peaceful protest and assured them that the government had already received correspondence on the matter and begun reviewing it.He said established procedures were being followed and pledged that the issues raised would be examined carefully to ensure law and order.“
The government will ensure that the issues are addressed in a manner that is fair, justifiable, and in the overall interest of peace and stability,” he said. Representing the Ibusa community, Barrister Peter Lotobi said the boundary dispute had been decided by the High Court, affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 1982, and later upheld by the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC.32/1985.
He urged the state government to ensure that the court decisions are implemented to sustain peace in the area.
