Fresh unrest has erupted in Otonyasere community, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta state, after alleged attacks left homes and shops in ruins.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of September 16, reportedly saw gunmen from Abigborodo community in Warri North, unleash sporadic gunfire and torch properties worth millions.
Angered by the destruction, hundreds of Okpe indigenes staged a peaceful protest on September 23. The demonstration, led by Moses Newcome Odiete, national president of the Okpe Youth Council Worldwide, sent a strong message to government and security agencies.
“Okpe will not fold its arms while our people are oppressed,” Odiete said. He accused the Alema of Warri of sponsoring the violence over the disputed Okpe Osobo Forest Reserve, insisting the land belongs to the Okpe people.
“The boundary between Okpe and Warri North is clearly the bridge, yet they have crossed into our territory. They burnt homes, shot our people, and still allege that I led an invasion into their community. We want peace, but nobody has monopoly of violence,” he warned.
Community leaders backed his claims with historical records, while victims recounted harrowing tales of loss, including homes, shops, motorcycles, and savings.
Traditional leaders in Sapele accused the attackers of attempting to annex Okpe land through violence, urging urgent government intervention.
Protesters later marched to the Sapele Local Government Secretariat, where they were received by Felix Abone, executive assistant to chairman Bright Abeke.
Abeke assured them that the matter was already receiving attention at the state level and that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to prevent further escalation.