Action Not Invasion But To Enforce Order -LG Chairman
Regarding the purported invasion of Okpare community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, the council authorities have clarified that the military’s presence in the community was not an invasion, as previously reported by some online sources.
In a press release to debunk such reports, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Hon. Lucky I. Avweromre, said “to set the records straight, the soldiers were on their routine inter community monitoring patrol of Ughelli South Local Government Area”, adding that “to say that the military invaded Okpare is untrue, false as they were in the community to ensure compliance with the Local Government Chairman’s order to postpone the community’s conference scheduled for December 26, 2024.
“The conference was postponed due to a court-ordered restraint prohibiting community meetings pending the court proceedings. The Ughelli South Local Government Council, led by Chairman Hon. Lucky I. Avweromre PhD, (JP), requested the postponement to maintain peace and stability in the community.
The letter, signed by Ewenede J.A, Secretary to the Local Government, was addressed to the President General of Okpare Community and copied to various security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force, and the Commanding Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Delta State.
“The presence of the security agencies, the police, the NCDC, the Army and the VGN was aimed at preventing any potential defiance of the Chairman’s order and ensuring a peaceful resolution. It’s essential to correct the misleading information and provide an accurate account of the events”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, our correspondent reported that there was tension, yesterday, at Okpare-Olomu town in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State as soldiers stormed the community and dispersed persons intending to attend the community’s annual conference slated for yesterday.
The soldiers stormed the community with three military pickup vans at about 7am, yesterday.
The operatives were alleged to have immediately made their way into the community town hall in search of some community leaders including the President-General of the community, Mr. Okiemute Otoka.
The soldiers’ action sparked protests from community women and youths across the various quarters and streets in Okpare-Olomu town.
When contacted, President-General of Okpare-Olomu Town, Mr. Otoka confirmed the development to our correspondents from his hideout.
