PORT HARCOURT – An Abuja based legal practitioner, Mr Nyenke Ikpendu, on Wednesday called on the federal and Rivers governments to resolve the chieftaincy tussle in Ibaa community, Emouhua council of the state.
Ikpendu told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the chieftaincy tussle in the community began in 2007 and had caused serious crisis in the area.
“ Ibaa people have lost property worth millions of naira while some people have been killed by the warring groups.
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‘’Some Ibaa people are now living as internally displaced persons in neighbouring communities for fear of being killed,’’ he said.
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The legal practitioner said the crisis in the community had no political undertone but a security problem.
“ We appeal to the federal and state governments to carry out a thorough investigation on the crisis in Ibaa community. Those found guilty should be prosecuted to restore peace in our area.
“ It is indeed very unfortunate that our people are living as refugees in neighbouring areas/communities. Some people have gone back while others are afraid of going back.
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“To achieve peace in Ibaa community, the government should invite the stakeholders, elders, parties in court contesting the chieftaincy issue to sit down and sign an undertaking to stop the crises,’’ he said.
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Ikpendu said that there was need for government to intervene and resolve the chieftaincy tussle to stop the mayhem in the community. (NAN)
