Oviri-Olomu community petitions Delta authorities over unprovoked attacks

The Oviri-Olomu Federated Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has petitioned the state government and security agencies over what it describes as ‘unprovoked attacks’ on its farmers and contractors working for Blue Star Gas Limited.

Addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Commissioner of Police, Director of the State Security Services (DSS) and the Director-General of the Delta State Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, the petition raises concerns about recent developments affecting the peace and security of the community.

The petition, signed by the President-General of Oviri-Olomu community, Peter Arumala, states:

“We, the peace-loving people of Oviri-Olomu Federated Communities in Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, write to bring to your urgent attention the unprovoked attacks, intimidation and unlawful land encroachment affecting our people.”

Arumala emphasised that Oviri-Olomu, an agrarian and fishing community, has coexisted peacefully with neighbouring communities, including Egodor, Kiagbodo, Bikorogha, Agbodobrin and Okoloba for centuries, with well-established natural and historical boundaries.

According to the petition, on March 8, a group of individuals allegedly attacked and forcibly evicted Oviri-Olomu farmers from their farmlands. On the same day, another group reportedly disrupted construction work at a project site lawfully acquired by a contractor for Blue Star Gas Limited, insisting that work could not proceed without further negotiations. The confrontation allegedly escalated, forcing both workers and farmers to flee for their safety.

The petition calls on Governor Oborevwori and relevant authorities to intervene to prevent further escalation. It requested the deployment of security operatives to safeguard farmers and contractors, a boundary verification exercise to reaffirm historically recognised land demarcations and measures to ensure law and order.

It also appealed for a peaceful resolution of any underlying grievances through lawful means.

“We trust in Your Excellency’s leadership and commitment to peace, justice and security. We appeal for swift intervention before this situation escalates into a full-blown communal conflict. We stand for peace, not war,” the petition said.

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