Delta State Moves to End Edjekota-Ogor and Otor-Ewu Communal Crisis

In a bold and strategic move to restore lasting peace between the warring communities of Edjekota-Ogor (Ughelli North) and Otor-Ewu (Ughelli South), the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun (Hon.) Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, JP FCIA, acting on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, chaired a high-level peace meeting and formally inaugurated an eleven-member Peace and Reconciliation Committee on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

The historic meeting, held at the Brooklyn Hall, Udu Council Secretariat, brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, security agencies, civil society observers, and stakeholders from the affected communities. It forms part of a broader Delta State Government effort to resolve long-standing boundary-related conflicts and rebuild intercommunal trust.

Joining Olorogun Oyibode in the effort were:

Olorogun Barr. Jaro Movudu Egbo, KSC, Executive Chairman of Ughelli North LGA

Dr. Lucky Avweromre, PhD, Executive Chairman of Ughelli South LGA

Together, the three council heads worked in synergy to inaugurate the committee, which is chaired by Chief Solomon Kpomah, a well-respected conflict resolution expert and community leader.

The Peace and Reconciliation Committee has been tasked with:

Investigating the root and immediate causes of the conflict

Conducting a thorough fact-finding on violence, displacement, and damage

Recommending fair and lasting solutions to both communities

Advising on practical steps for long-term peaceful coexistence

Presenting the committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR), Olorogun Oyibode emphasized the need for neutrality, fairness, and confidentiality in handling the sensitive assignment. He directed the committee to submit a full report with actionable recommendations within 21 days, for onward submission to the State Government.

"Let this process bring healing, not more division. If peace cannot be reached through this channel, the Delta State Government may have no choice but to reclaim the disputed land for public use, in the interest of peace and development,” Oyibode warned.

He also reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for communal violence, urging stakeholders to support the process for the sake of future generations.

Echoing Oyibode’s sentiments, Barr. Egbo and Dr. Avweromre highlighted key areas for investigation, including:

Number of casualties and missing persons
Property and farmland destruction
Validity of historical land claims

Both leaders appealed to community elders, youth groups, women leaders, and families to provide truthful and verifiable information, assuring that peace is possible with honesty and collective goodwill.

"This process, with divine guidance, will lead us back to unity and mutual respect,” Dr. Avweromre said. 

In his acceptance speech, Chief Solomon Kpomah thanked the three Chairmen and the Delta State Government for entrusting the committee with such a critical task.

"We will work round the clock. We are committed to transparency, truth, and reconciliation. Our goal is not just a report but a roadmap to peace,” he assured.