Ughelli market crisis, UPU appeals for calm

By Ovasa Ogaga,

The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide has called on the two communities of Ekiugbo and Iwhreko in Ughelli Kingdom to sheathe their swords for peace to reign and allow Constitutional and Traditional Authorities look into their grievances, with a view to bringing a permanent solution to the lingering crisis over the ownership and control of the Ughelli Main Market.

In a statement by Hon. Abel Oshevire, National Publicity Secretary, he noted that: “Our President-General, Worldwide, Olorogun Dr. Moses Taiga, JP, is very worried and unhappy at the renewed hostilities between the two sister communities and appeals to them for calm. The aggrieved parties should lay down their weapons and allow the relevant arms of Government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders intervene in the matter. Communities can only enjoy economic growth and prosperity in an atmosphere of peace. With economic prosperity comes development, with positive and lasting spiral effect on both communities.

“As Urhobo people, we share common ancestry and blood links. Our tradition and culture, importantly the laws of the Country, forbid the shedding of blood and destruction of properties. No piece of land or property is worthy of any form of blood shedding or destruction, especially by children of common blood and ancestry.

“The UPU emphasises that peace between the communities is crucial to finding a lasting solution to the lingering dispute, and therefore calls on the Chairman of Ughelli North LGA and the State Government to urgently intervene in this unending hostilities over the Ughelli Main Market by evolving a permanent solution.”

The statement further appeals to all-meaning sons and daughters of the two communities to step into the matter and call the war mongers to order.

“We are also appealing to both political and community leaders of Ekiugbo and Otor-Iwhreko to step into the matter immediately and call their wards to order. The matter must not be allowed to escalate beyond the present state.”