By Emma Amaize

WARRI—LEADERS and stakeholders of Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic nationalities in Delta State have called for immediate cessation of hostilities in the current disputes between Ogbe-Ijoh/Isaba/Diebeiri and Aladja/Epame/Ayame communities in Warri South-West and Udu Local Government Areas of the state.

Gov Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State

In a joint statement by co-chairmen, Chief P. E. S. Ideh (Urhobo) and Alaowei Broderick Bozimo (Ijaw), after a meeting of the ethnic nationalities in Warri to facilitate speedy resolution of the conflicts, they lamented the spate of alleged killings on both sides.

Noting that their mediation was complementary to efforts by government, they agreed that all planned attacks by the warring parties should be discontinued and appealed to “all sides to respect government orders/directions in this respect.”

Participants expressed dismay at the recent hostilities between people who had a common ancestry and had lived together in peace and brotherliness from time immemorial.

They thanked all those working for peace, including the state government, traditional rulers and chiefs, elders, women and youths of both ethnic nationalities, as well as religious institutions and appealed to all for understanding and support for the new effort geared toward finding a lasting resolution of some age-long conflicts

“We assure our friends, the entire nation, and the international community that Delta State is safe and investor-friendly,” they said.