Itsekiri leader urges youths to embrace peace in Edo

The leader of the Itsekiri in Ologbo community in Edo state, Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, has called on warring youths in the community to embrace peace in the interest of the development of the community.

Ologbo community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area has been enmeshed in communal crisis following the fight between the Bini and Itsekiri youths over house foundation levy known as "Emolu" in the area.

Atseleghe said this in Benin while speaking with journalists on the recent crisis in the community.

He alleged that the crisis was triggered by activities of some youths who engaged in activities of Community Development Association (CDA), banned by the state government, by collecting money from developers.

He said the crisis led to the destruction of property and death of four persons in the area .

While absolving itsekiri indigenes of any role in the crisis, he pledged his loyalty and allegiance to the Oba of Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, and thanked him for his fatherly role to the people of Ologbo community.

Atseleghe also commended the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the security agents for their timely intervention in the matter.

He urged both Itsekiri and Bini in the community to live as brothers and sisters and be law abiding to douse the tension in the community and avert further killings.

He assured of working in synergy with the palace of the Enogie (Duke) of Ologbo to ensure socio-economic development of the community, noting that commercial activities have been paralysed due to the crisis.