From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Protracted land dispute in Ewulu Community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday claimed the life of one person, while the traditional ruler, Obi Godwin Onyenwouwa escaped attack.
The state police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe confirmed that some persons had been arrested in connection with the alleged murder, adding that they are currently being detained at the police headquarters in Asaba for further investigation.
SP Edafe disclosed that the traditional ruler was rescued by the police in Ogwashi-Uku who moved into the community, following distress calls.
Trouble started when youths of the community accused Onyenwouwa of illegal sale of their land, as well as not carrying them along in the activities of the community.
It was gathered that huge sums of money was released to the youths who bluntly refused, insisting that they should be treated with respect.
The angry youths also claimed that some of them have been favoured from the sale of the land and have been flaunting their proceeds, warning that the monarch should do the needful rather than deceiving them. They were alleged to have shot sporadically before setting ablaze the palace of the traditional ruler.
It was gathered that during the malaise, stray bullets allegedly hit some of the residents who sustained fatal injuries, while the traditional ruler escaped for his dear life. It would be recalled that this same crisis had erupted some years ago in Ewulu Community, following the alleged sale of land by the monarch, an act that allegedly worsened the age long crisis of confidence.
The police have taken over the community with a view to ensure peaceful coexistence and ward off further breakdown law and order.
In another development, six kidnap suspects have been arrested by Umunede vigilante group in collaboration with other local security outfits in Ika North East Local Government Area.
The suspects were caught at Idumuesah Oba Community farmland in Umunede, following a joint operation with neighbouring communities security terms . Their arrest came weeks after the Obi of Umunede Kingdom and his people placed curses on kidnappers and their accomplices during a public ceremony, aimed at addressing the rising insecurity in the region. The suspects, who were identified as Isah Aboh, Yesufu Yahaya, Abubakar Sule, Adamu Yaya, Saidu Shehu and Abdullahi Yaiya, confessed to be indigenes of the north. They were arrested while riding three Qlink motorcycles with two individuals on each bike.
