By Lucky Uto
The Delta State Government has appealed for peace between Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku communities following fresh tension over a long-standing boundary dispute.
The call was made on Monday when members of the Ibusa community staged a peaceful protest at Government House in Asaba, accusing Ogwashi-Uku of encroaching on their land.
The protesters carried placards insisting that existing court judgments, including a Supreme Court ruling, had already settled the matter in their favour.
Addressing the demonstrators on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct.
He assured them that the government had already received correspondence on the dispute and had begun taking steps before the protest.
Erijo said the government would follow due process in handling the matter and promised a fair and just decision that would maintain peace and stability in the state.
He urged both communities to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Speaking for Ibusa, Barrister Peter Lotobi explained that the boundary issue had been settled by the courts.
According to him, the High Court first ruled on the case, and the judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 1982.
He added that the Supreme Court also affirmed the earlier decisions in Appeal No. SC.32/1985.
Lotobi said Ibusa remains peaceful and has advised its youths to stay calm.
He called on the state government to enforce the court judgments to ensure justice and lasting peace between the two neighbouring communities.
