POSTED: 16 JANUARY 2014
BY MIKE EGWU
BY MIKE EGWU
Abavo,a once peaceful agrarian community, in Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State was at the moment a shadow of itself as the community has been torn apart by crises.The crises which began in 2012 over a kingship tussle between King Uche Irenuma and Prince Sunday Ekhator, on July 16,2014 took a new twist as it claimed lives of some indigenes of the community leaving many injured.
Our
reporters who visited the community during the week escaped by the
whiskers as the King Uche Irenuma supporters and Prince Sunday Ekhator
supporters engaged each other in a fierce battle which
unfortunately,left some indigenes of the community dead and the
community in ruin.As a result of this many Abavo indigenes, particularly
able bodied youths have fled the community.The crises since it started
in 2012 have rendered the community useless as it was now a shadow of
itself.
Reacting to the recent crises, the
executive governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan said that the
situation was under control as security agents who were deployed to the
community have been directed to ensure the safety of lives and
properties.The governor advised that while the crises last people should
stay away from the community to avoid being killed by any of the
warring groups.
It was gathered that prominent
youth leaders in the community, Mike Okonta, Uche Ijebor, Miracle
Osemeha, Francis Ikem and Richard Peace have fled from the community and
they could not be found for interview.The most affected was Mr Louis
Ogor Okoh who was murdered during the crises on January 16,2014 and his
properties, including cars were burnt.
Meanwhile,
Governor Uduaghan while sympathizing the families of those who have
lost their lives since the crises started said that it was regrettable
that Abavo which was before 2012 a peaceful community has now been
totally destroyed.He promised that all those behind the crises will face
the wrath of the law.
