By Godwin Oghre
The calmness of Sapele was violated, yesterday, following a free-for-all between supporters of two community leaders fighting for control of  community affairs.

People scampered for safety when youths considered loyal to a revered chartered accountant, Senator David Dafinone, clashed with others who were said to be backing Sapele Okpe Community Chairman, Mr. Michael Igbejule and his exco members, over who exercises administrative power in Sapele/Okpe community.

Igbejule told Vanguard that Dafinone and his agents arrested his wife, Mrs Erica Igbejule. He spoke at the Sapele Police Station where he went on police invitation. Mrs Igbejule was, however, released hours later.

An elderly woman, Mama Comfort Ayomanor, in her 90s, led other older women, numbering about 500, in a peaceful rally in Sapele against alleged activities of Dafinone and his agents.

She alleged that some highly placed persons were trying to use their economic and political power to overshadow the administration of the community executives in order to exploit the economic treasure in Sapele against the interest of the people.

Spokesman of Sapele/Okpe Community, Dr. Vincent Ekariko, denounced what he described as “the brutality” exerted by those he called “intruders in high places.” He warned them to desist from oppressing and arresting elderly people to subvert justice and monopolise Sapele economy.

Another resident,  Mr. Bright Morogi Ogodo, also condem-ned the high-handedness of a few privileged ones in the community and their clandes-tine interest to acquire all the assets, which include an oil firm located in the community. He said the privileged few try to force the less-privileged out of the area by arresting and detaining them.

Contacted, Sapele Police DPO directed all enquiries to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Asaba, Delta State capital. But the PPRO did not pick his calls.