Evwreni Peace Committee calls for dissolution, disarming of community vigilante outfit

By Akpos Oghenetega,

Evwreni Crisis Resolution and Peace Committee has resolved that the community’s vigilante outfit which has been at the centre of the crisis rocking the kingdom since last March 2020 be dissolved and disarmed.

Recall that Evwreni kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, has been plunged into protracted crisis following a disagreement between the king and leadership of the town Union.

Committee, in a communique issued at a meeting held at the country home of the Convener, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor over the week, said it would work with the DPO of the Ughelli A Division to “immediately establish/station a strong police presence in Evwreni which shall take over the security of the community.

The communique signed by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Co-Convener, Barr Samuel Mariere and Secretary, Olorogun Emuobosa Ohare, said the police is “to undertake the disarming of the erstwhile vigilante and all other armed groups in the community.”

The committee resolved to “immediately engage the families of individuals that lost their lives in the crisis in order to secure their buy-in into the peace process and to immediately engage youths involved in the crisis with a view to ending their animosity, return displaced youths and provide palliatives and a level of empowerment.”

The committee also resolved to “engage all displaced individuals to return home and engage individuals whose houses and properties were burnt or damaged and to identify, enumerate and assess the destruction and damage thereto, with a view to providing financial assistance towards restoration.

“To engage all criminal complainants and civil litigants who have cases with either the police or law courts with a view to achieving out of court settlement”.

The Committee further resolved to “involve renown men of God to undertake a Christian Spiritual Revival crusade for Evwreni Community.

It was also resolved that, “HRM Oghenekevwe Owin Kumane, the Eruvwedede III remains the Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom,  that, High Chief Obakowho Egbegbe I and Mr. Bright Adjogbe remains the Odion-Esiri of Evwreni kingdom and President General of Evwreni Clan Improvement Union.”

And that, “they remains the constituted ruling authorities in Evwreni Clan and the Committee is commited to work with them to resolve and return peace to Evwreni town. To Committee recognizes their individual relevance and separate role and authorities in the Evwreni Community.”

Recall that over three persons were reportedly killed with one missing and houses and shops set ablaze in the crisis that broke out in the community since last year, thereby causing many to relocate from the kingdom.