The people of Ubulu-Okiti in Aniocha South Local Government Area has appealed to the State government and security agencies to come to their rescue as they have continued to live in fear and intimidation following their land dispute with the Ogwashi-Uku monarch Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo and his brother Prince Onyema Okonjo.
Briefing newsmen, Pastor James Ikediashi narrated how he was almost killed at his farmland by some persons whom he alleged were sent by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, Obi lfechukwude Okonjo, Aninshi II and his brother Prince Onyema Okonjo, to be guarding the land which he said belong to him.
Pastor Ikediashi said that while trying to stop an intruder into his farmland for cutting down his plantain, he was attacked by the intruder and in self defence, he overpowered the intruder who quickly alerted his illegally armed colleagues.
He stressed that he was beaten up and they shot at him and very close to his legs before others hit him with their guns and told him they were ordered by the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo Anishi II and his brother Prince Onyema Okonjo, to deal with anyone who encroached or is found around that land area which sadly belong to Ubulu-Okiti.
Pastor James said he was handed over to some Policemen in the bush believed to be from Zone 5 Benin City, who later took him to Ogwashi-Uku Police Station. He stated that he was denied access to any hospital treatment before he was released.
He said the land in question indeed belong to his late father which he passed on to him and that he has been farming there for years with other indegenes of Ubulu-Okiti. He therefore passionately called on the State government to address the issue of intimidation from the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku,
Obi lfechukwude Okonjo, Aninshi II and his brother Prince Onyema Okonjo.
In the same vein, Chief John Dumbili pleaded with the State government to intervene into the matter in order to ensure the people of Ubulu-Okiti go about their farming activities unmolested.
Similarly, Chief Dumbili revealed that since the land dispute, the people of Ubulu-Okiti have been living in acute fear. He therefore urged the Delta State government to urgently help them because they are living in bondage and under duress by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
He further alleged that the Ogwashi-Uku monarch was using the Police to intimidate them as they have been arrested in the midnight at several occasions and forcefully taken to Benin City and detained for days.
Chief Dumbili urged the Delta State government not to delay in implementing the outcome of the Panel of Enquiry to determine the original and rightful owners of the disputed land.
