By Ochuko Akuopha

OLEH—ISOKO South Local Government Area, Delta State, has again intervened in the three months old crisis between Igbide and Okpolo-Enwhe communities over a disputed parcel of land, urging the warring parties to sheathe their swords.

Hostilities broke out in the communities on May 6, after over four decades of legal battle, that led to the death of several persons and the burning of no fewer than  seven houses in the areas.

Speaking, yesterday, at a town hall meeting held at the instance of Isoko South Council Chairman, Sir. Ithiako Ikpokpo, and attended by the President General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Chief Iduh Amadhe, the Commissioner representing Delta State in the Public Complaints Commission, Sir Matthias Eto, urged the feuding communities to adopt a give-and-take approach in the resolution of the contentious issue.

Lamenting the adverse socio-economic effect of the crisis on the entire Isoko nation, Eto said: “There is no way we can recover the lives and property that had been lost, but definitely, we will one day end up resolving the issue at a roundtable. So, at this point, it is wise for us to discontinue the fight so that we don’t lose more lives and property.”

In his remarks, the council Chairman, Sir Ikpokpo, said that the meeting was “an avenue for us to broker peace between the communities. We felt that a town hall meeting would help us talk directly to the people. Even though a peace committee had been set up that is doing a very fantastic job, we felt that one on one with them will help us further look at the issues and see how we can come to a quick conclusion.”

Describing the communities’ responses as sincere and honest, he said: “The people have asked us to do what is right and I am sure that at the end, we will be able to come to an amicable solution to the challenge before us.”