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The 63rd Battalion, Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Joint Task Force in the South-South region, also referred to as

The Delta Safe Operation has sent soldiers to ensure peace between the conflicting Ugborodo and Ogidigbe coastal groups in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

This information was included in a statement authored by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, with copies distributed to reporters in Warri on Wednesday.

Although acknowledging that “the Brigade’s focus had been on the accusations and counter-accusations in the continuing conflict between the Ugborodo and Ogidigbe communities, with a hidden intention to extend the crisis,” Bawa-Rijau cautioned all the involved parties to stop, stating that any further deterioration of law and order would not be permitted.

“Consequently, forces have been sent out and the situation has been managed successfully,” he stated.

The PUNCH reported that a crisis broke out in the Delta coastal communities last weekend, when Emiko Onuwaje was allegedly attacked and killed on a road in Ogidigben, an event that caused public anger and increased tensions along the Ugborodo route.

Several hours following the murder, the home of Capt. John Deja Okpeyor was set on fire by furious young people. Okpeyor had been appointed as a leader of the Warri Kingdom earlier that day.

The murder and following fire happened while there were reports of a conflict over youth leadership in Ogidigben, which supposedly resulted in young people gathering to face supposed rivals in the area.

As a result, the security presence has been strengthened in certain areas of Ugborodo and Ogidigben to stop any further deterioration of law and order.

The military, in its declaration, has asked the residents of Delta State to “be aware that the forces sent will fulfill their constitutional duties in the most skilled way, consistent with the current rules of engagement and respect for the basic human rights of the population.”

The military stated, “the presence of soldiers will continue to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

It also emphasized the dedication to safeguarding the lives and assets of the public, assuring that sufficient actions have been taken to stop the situation from worsening.

Consequently, all parties concerned are advised to refrain from any covert efforts to involve soldiers in unnecessary community disputes.

“The goal is to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflict among the involved parties,” the Army stated.

In the meantime, the Commander of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, has urged locals to stay calm and work with security forces.

He also urged them to keep supplying practical information about the operations of crisis traders within their area, assuring that peace would be brought back to Warri and surrounding regions.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).