By Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe

WARRI—Delta State Police Command has barred both the Chief Joe Omeme and Chief Tuesday Onoge factions of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, from holding any gathering at the Uvwiamughe national secretariat of the Urhobo apex leadership organ.

Policemen in about four Toyota Hilux vans, as early as 8a.m., on Saturday, stormed the centre which was supposed to be the venue for two different events by both factions of the UPU holding on the same day and was expected to start at about the same time.

When Vanguard visited the centre, the battle ready policemen were seen strategically positioned at different parts of the vicinity while guests who had come for the events, were asked to go back to their respective abodes.

The same was the case when over 40 members of an Urhobo youth group visited the venue with the intention of participating in the inauguration of the Ighelle (youth) wing of the UPU by one of the factions. Policemen at the venue asked them to go back, stating that they had been mandated to seal off the premises, adding that there would be no programme at the centre as announced.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the deployment of policemen to the centre was a measure taken to maintain peace. He said the Commanding Officer of the Ughelli Area Command, Mr. Aleli Pedro had deployed his men to the venue to prevent a likely breakdown of law and order.