Jesse crisis: Monarch flees to Asaba

By Emma Amaize

WARRI—THE Ovie (traditional ruler) of Idjerhe (Jesse) kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Erhikevwe I, whose palace was razed by irate villagers, Tuesday, is reportedly taking refuge in Asaba, the state capital.

Meanwhile, 28 persons arrested by the police in connection with arson and murder were transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department, SCID, Asaba, yesterday, for further investigations.

A source told Vanguard that the royal father decided go to Asaba because Jesse was no longer safe for him after the incident in which six persons were shot dead and 25 injured by security agents.

Some of the villagers confronted soldiers who went to take away a suspected ritualist who was handed over to the monarch for interrogation and in the ensuing melee, hell was let loose.

The monarch had rejected the plan to lynch the suspect and the alleged killing of some villagers by soldiers provoked them to burn the palace.

Police spokesperson in the state, Mr. Charles Muka, told Vanguard that the community was calm yesterday, as people were going about their normal businesses.

He said: “The command warns youths not to resort to self help, as persons caught in such act will be made to face the full wrath of the law. People are urged to go about their business without fear.”