The Deputy Governor of Delta State Sir Monday Onyeme has cautioned communities not to lay claim to another autonomous community in any part of the State.
Sir Onyeme gave the caution at his office in Asaba when he received on courtesy call Leaders from Owah-Abbi Community, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State.
Sir Onyeme who expressed government dismay over communities that would want to breach the relative peace in the state, warned that the State government will not see crisis in any community and remain quiet.
The Deputy Governor while addressing the leaders of Owah-Abbi over the issue of autonomy assured that the state government will look into the documents presented and take a position on it.
The Deputy governor who expressed dismay over conflicts and crisis usually caused by the discovery of Oil in communities said it was improper for the police to allegedly collude with some wealthy individuals to arrest and harass people in their locality for no just cause.
Earlier, Chief Imala Odufu who led the delegation of leaders said, their visit was to appeal for government intervention in the activities going on in their community, saying if not addressed will lead to serious disruption of peace in the near future.
Chief Imala revealed that Owah-Abbi has been a peaceful and peace loving community until the scenario changed recently due to the destruction of their community farmlands across River Ethiope by Fulani herdsmen.
He also noted that the discovery of oil in the community farmlands across River Ethiope and the threat of the Ukwata of Umukwata Kingdom, a neighbouring community has continued to become a source of worry.
Chief Imala alleged that false allegations to the police, arrest of prominent community members and intimidations have become rife in recent times.
