By Emma Amaize and Egufe Yafugborhi

IJAW People Development Initiative, IPDI, and Niger Delta Peace Movement, NDPM, expressed concern, yesterday, that the land dispute between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities in Warri South-West and Udu Local Government Areas of Delta State was worsening into Urhobo/Ijaw crisis.

National President of IPDI, Mr. Austin Ozobo, and President of NDPM, Mr. Cyprian Tonfa, who raised the fear in separate statements, in Warri, called on the state government to tackle the threat now.    Tonfa alleged that the people Ophorigbalagha, an Urhobo community in Ughelli South local government had sent their Ijaw wives from Gbekebor community packing from the town because of the Ogbe-Ijoh-Aladja crisis.

Ozobo said Ijaw nation and its communities were not part of the conflict rocking Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja, adding:”  Ijaw nation should not be dragged to disrepute by mischief-makers and detractors.”