Okuama-Ewu vs. Okoloba: Rising Tensions Over Alleged Drone Spying, Farmland Theft

Fresh tensions have surfaced between the Okuama-Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. Accusations have flown between the two, alleging property looting, farmland theft, armed blockades, and drone surveillance.

The discord, rooted in a longstanding land dispute, gained prominence when gunmen killed 17 army personnel on a peace mission to Okuama-Ewu on March 14. The military presence in Okuama-Ewu, which began on March 15, ended on May 8 following state intervention by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Residents, who had taken refuge in forests and endured starvation, returned home on May 8, only to face ongoing turmoil.

Reports indicate escalating tensions, with urgent calls for state government intervention to prevent further conflict. Okuama-Ewu women, brandishing leaves, demonstrated in their community, accusing Okoloba women of stealing crops and youths of armed blockades on waterways. They appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for assistance.

Okuama-Ewu leaders also accused Okoloba of spying with drones. Meanwhile, Okoloba women, led by Chairlady Mrs. Timipakebi Godwin and Secretary Mrs. Mary Koibi, protested, claiming Okuama-Ewu armed youths were instigating violence, resulting in casualties.

Okuama-Ewu women claimed they caught Okoloba women harvesting their cassava, which the alleged thieves abandoned upon being spotted. Protesters lamented the theft of property, including foams and boats, and the blocking of vital waterways.

One protester recounted, “They stole our foams, boats, and other property. On Sunday, armed youths of Okoloba blocked our waterways with guns, forcing us to take alternative routes.”

Another woman added, “Our farms are being plundered. Women and children suffer, our husbands are absent, and many of our children are missing since we returned.”

Okuama-Ewu leaders confirmed frequent drone surveillance by Okoloba, intensifying community distress.

Okoloba community chairman, Mr. Clement Koki, promised a detailed response but had not provided one by press time.