From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
Tension is brewing in Delta State, as residents of Issele-Azagba and Okpanam fear a fresh clash over alleged illegal boundary adjustment between the two communities.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has condemned the development, warning that it could trigger communal violence and force families from their homes.
National President of CDHR, Dr Kehinde Taiga, in a statement yesterday, described the adjustment as unconstitutional and unlawful.
Stressing that local government chairmen have no legal authority to alter boundaries under the law, Taiga noted that the dispute is pending before a competent court, yet some parties have resorted to what he called self-help, a move which he warned undermines the judiciary and threatens peace.
He also dismissed a so-called consent judgement being cited in support of the boundary shift, describing it as fraudulent.
He alleged that the process was riddled with irregularities, exclusion of key stakeholders and possible manipulation.
“The judiciary must be respected. Any attempt to impose a boundary change outside due process is a direct violation of the people’s rights,” Taiga cautioned.
Residents of both communities have continued to live in fear, with many voicing concern that renewed clashes could destroy homes, farmlands and businesses. “We just want peace, but this matter keeps tearing us apart,” one of the resident lamented.
The rights group called on the Delta State government, Attorney-General and the State Boundary Committee to intervene urgently and prevent a descent into crisis.
It demanded a thorough investigation into the controversial judgment and the immediate suspension of all boundary-related activities until the court delivers its ruling.
While urging both communities to remain calm, CDHR insisted that only respect for the rule of law can safeguard peace and justice in the disputed area.
