YOUTHS of Aladja community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the state to settle the age-long land dispute between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities before going on with the proposed by-pass to Ogbe-Ijoh community.

The youths, in a statement by Chairman of all Youth Chairmen of Aladja community, Mr. Samson Ojakovo, noted that if Delta State Government wants to maintain the existing peace, it should come out with a White Paper of the settlement between the two communities.

According to the youths, “we are the original owners of the land, but due to political reasons best known to the government, we are being oppressed.
“Several attempts by eminent Nigerians and the state government to settle the issue yielded no result.

“We the youths were surprised recently when the state government, through its agents, came to inform us that they wanted to construct a by-pass through the Delta Steel Company, DSC, complex to Ogbe-Ijoh.

“We are saying no to it because the government on its part has failed to proffer solution to the age-long land dispute between the two communities.
“If they want peace, and want the construction work to continue, the land dispute should be settled to enable both parties live in peace.”