The renewed hostilities between Emede and Igbide communities, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State over a land dispute which led to the killing of five persons and the burning of houses in the neighbouring communities received condemnation from Isoko Monitoring Group, IMG.
The group, in a statement by it’s Spokesman, Dr. Kingsley Oroh, said the killings and destruction of properties was an act of barbarism and must be condemned by all concern Isoko sons and daughters worldwide.
“In this times and age when communities are working together to ensure development is attracted to their communities and territories, it is regrettably that some persons can imagine that killing others is the solution to resolving land dispute or misunderstanding.
“The truth be told nothing can reasonably justify the killings of a fellow human being. We therefore call on the government to do everything possible to apprehend the killers and all those that mastermind this barbaric act.
“They must be arrested and prosecuted swiftly. We also call on all people of goodwill to come forward to appeal to both sides to embrace peace and dialogue.
“The Government of Delta state must be proactive in handling all land disputes in Isoko land and as a matter of urgency take swift measures to forestall a reprisal attack and institute an investigation committee to ensure that all the perpetrators will face the law and justice served.
“We also want to appeal to the people of Emede and Igbide communities to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign while investigation on the reported killing is been carried out.”
Commiserating with the deceased families and those who properties were destroyed, the statement said “we totally condemn any form of killings in Isoko land. We must respect each other and live in peace. We must also educate our brothers and sisters for the need for peaceful coexistence.”
