Traditional rulers in Oshimili north local government area of Delta State have raised the alarm over reports that members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are being brought into their communities by local youths.
The Traditional Rulers Committee has appealed for urgent intervention. According to the traditional rulers, these youths, abandoning their education and legitimate employment, have returned home to profit from unauthorised land sales, allegedly enlisting IPOB members to help establish control over local lands.
At a recent meeting with Delta State security chiefs at the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the monarchs appealed for urgent intervention.
In a statement, signed by HRM (Prof.) Louis Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa; HRM Obi Daniel Chukwuka Ogbudo of Atuma-Iga; the Ugoani of Okpanam, HRM (Dr.) Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu; the Onu Ebu, HRM Paul Odilile Opili; Obi of Ukala, HRM Clement Ifeanyi Ejiofor; and Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo, HRM Obi David Azuka, they warned that IPOB’s involvement poses a significant threat to security and local governance.
The traditional rulers revealed that many young people in the LGA have abandoned their studies and jobs, lured by the profits from selling community land.
This trend, they say, has fueled crime in the area, including cultism, illegal firearms possession, and, alarmingly, the recruitment of IPOB members to establish a stronghold. They fear that if unchecked, this could lead to widespread insecurity and lawlessness.
The traditional rulers, however, stressed that enforcement requires the support of security agencies and appealed for greater vigilance.
The royal fathers also requested that law enforcement agencies consult with traditional authorities on land-related issues, emphasizing that these local leaders deeply understand community land histories and rights.
While recognizing the state government’s efforts to tackle crime, the traditional leaders voiced concerns that land-grabbing syndicates, some allegedly collaborating with IPOB, are complicating the crisis.
They assured security agencies of their full cooperation in restoring stability to the council and urged for swift action to protect the community from further destabilization.
Recall that the council, led by Hon. Innocent Esewezie, has enacted a new public and private properties protection bye-law designed to prevent unauthorised land sales and safeguard local resources.
