…Victims recount losses, youths march on Sapele Secretariat, demand justice
Fresh unrest has erupted in Otonyasere community, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, after alleged attacks left homes and shops in ruins. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of September 16, reportedly saw gunmen from Abigborodo community in Warri North, allegedly loyal to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, unleash sporadic gunfire and torch properties worth millions.
Angered by the destruction, hundreds of Okpe indigenes marched through the streets on September 23 in a peaceful protest. The demonstration, led by National President of the Okpe Youth Council Worldwide, Comrade Moses Newcome Odiete, sent a clear message to government and security agencies: “Okpe will not fold its arms while our people are oppressed,” he said.
Odiete accused the Alema of Warri of sponsoring oppression against Okpe people, insisting the disputed Okpe Osobo Forest Reserve is their ancestral land. “The boundary between Okpe and Warri North is clearly the bridge, yet they have crossed into our territory. They burnt homes, shot our people, and still allege that I led an invasion into their community. We want peace, but nobody has monopoly of violence,” he warned.
The youth leader added that Okpe people had exercised restraint despite repeated provocations. “Okpe is not a toothless bulldog. If pushed further, we will defend our land. But for now, we are appealing to the federal and state governments to intervene before matters escalate,” Odiete said firmly.
Community leaders backed his claims with historical context. Dr. D.G. Arieja said records dating back to colonial times prove that the forest reserve belongs to Okpe. “The forefather of Emma Uduaghan contested this land matter in court several times and lost. Why should a lawyer reopen a settled case? The Olu of Warri must call his people to order before this turns into a wider crisis,” he stressed.
Mr. Freeborn Ogodo, former Secretary General of Sapele Okpe Community, said political connections were fueling the conflict. “They feel emboldened because they have people in power. But our peacefulness is not stupidity. The federal government must act decisively now to prevent bloodshed,” he said.
Traditional leaders in Sapele echoed the same fears. Okakuro Godwin Daddy, speaking on behalf of the chiefs, declared: “This land is in Ward 7, Sapele LGA, not Warri North. Alema himself once threatened to burn my house, and today that threat has been carried out. My home and goods worth millions are gone. I am homeless, but I will not give up my land,” he vowed.
Victims of the attacks painted harrowing pictures of their ordeal. A shop owner who begged not to be named alleged: “They warned me last year to leave. When I refused, they came shooting and burnt everything — freezers, palm oil, boat engines, cash. I lost everything.” Another victim, Mrs. Morine Onojaefemre, recalled escaping with her children. “They came at 1:30 a.m., shooting. I ran through the back door. My new motorcycle, my savings, my home — all gone. Today, I am penniless,” she cried.
The protesters later stormed the Sapele Local Government Secretariat, where they were received by Mr. Felix Abone, executive assistant to Chairman Bright Abeke. Abone assured them the matter was already on the table of both local and state authorities. “The chairman is in Asaba with the Governor on this very issue. We don’t want this to degenerate into a tribal war. Your peaceful protest is commendable, and I assure you the right thing will be done,” he said.
He added: “In the coming days, a stakeholders’ meeting will hold to address this crisis once and for all. We are brothers and sisters; peace must not be lost. Please go about your lawful duties while government handles this decisively.”
