SPDC land: Delta wades into communal crisis

By Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI—Delta State Government has waded into the looming communal crisis in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, owing to the rise in tension in three communities over land acquired by Shell Petroleum Development Company for a domestic gas project.

According to Shell, the land was acquired 14 years ago from Iwhrekan community.
However, two neighbouring communities to Iwhrekan, Otor-Edo and Edjophe led a protest to Shell Utorogun plant last week, demanding to be recognised as co-hosts of the project. The development angered Iwhrekan, who went to court seeking exclusive right to the project, insisting that the project is situated on their land.

There is tension in the area as the three communities have allegedly put their youths on the watch out.

The office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State had waded into the matter and had reportedly directed the Police Command in Ughelli South and the council chairman to set up a panel to look into the matter to investigate the matter.

As a result, the Ughelli South council chairman, Mr  Denis Djoma, has directed each community to present three persons to the panel set up by the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, who hails from the council.

Iwhrekan Community yesterday queried the decision to give them only three slots in the panel, arguing that Otor-Edo and Edjophe, who, they alleged are working together, would all together have six representations.

In a statement yesterday, by Iwhrekan community, they warned that Otor-Edo and Edjophe should be called to order. “They are boasting that they have people in high places in the government of Delta State, for which reason they think they can burn anywhere and go scot free.  We, however, advise that they should not take the law into their hands.