Adoloseimo II – Kokotoru Crisis Escalates: Deaths, Arson, and Boundary Dispute Deepen Tensions


By Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond, Global Egberi Media International

Rising Tension in Delta–Ondo Border Communities

The fragile peace between Kokotoru Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and Adoloseimo II in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has once again been shattered, as fresh violence has left several people dead, villages razed, and families displaced.

Two conflicting accounts — one from Kokotoru leaders and another from Adoloseimo II residents — paint a grim picture of a dispute that has festered for years over land, forests, and boundary ownership.

Kokotoru’s Petition: “They Burned Down 11 Villages”

In a petition dated 23rd August 2025 and addressed to the Divisional Police Officer, Koko Divisional Headquarters, Mr. Melford Otukpu, National Chairman of Kokotoru Community, accused named individuals — Bekewei Cornelius Okiriji, Opu-Iguni Cornelius Okiriji, Agali Kowei, and about thirty others — of invading Kokotoru with firearms and setting about 11 villages ablaze, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The Kokotoru petition alleged that:

  • The Adoloseimo II invaders crossed Kokotoru River armed with guns.

  • They engaged youths in clashes and later launched reprisal attacks.

  • Valuable economic trees and forest reserves belonging to Kokotoru were felled illegally and transported to Ondo and Lagos.

  • Residents were displaced, with some declared missing.

Mr. Otukpu noted that this was not the first provocation, recalling an earlier incident in August 2024, when a Kokotoru fisherwoman, Mrs. Trelin Agadigha, was assaulted by one of the accused lumberers.

He further reminded security agencies that the Paramount Ruler of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Pere (Barr.) Zaccheaus Doubra Egbunu (JP), OPUKUTU III, had already settled the boundary dispute in 2024, declaring “Kokoru Bou” as the official demarcation line.

“Despite this ruling, Adoloseimo II indigenes continue to trespass, devastate our forest, and destroy lives,” the petition lamented, calling on all security agencies to prevent a communal war.

Adoloseimo II’s Counterclaim: “Our Men Were Ambushed”

Meanwhile, Adoloseimo II residents have countered Kokotoru’s allegations, insisting they are the true victims of aggression.

According to a detailed account published by Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters on 23rd August 2025, the body of Mr. Abeke Okiriji, earlier declared missing, was found floating in Abere River, deepening fears in the community.

Another resident, Mr. Tonwerigha Nopro, who sustained gunshot injuries, recounted how he and his colleague, Mr. Muleboh Dein, were allegedly ambushed by Kokotoru assailants while cutting timber.

“Four masked men stormed the bush, shot me in the leg, and attempted to butcher me. One of them stopped the other, but they went ahead destroying our canoes and chanting war songs,” Nopro said from his recovery bed.

While Nopro survived, Mr. Ediseimokuh Tonwerigha remains missing, and several villagers who joined the search party also returned home wounded.

Adoloseimo II leaders accused Kokotoru attackers of escalating the violence and called on government to intervene before the situation degenerates further.

A Crisis of Claims and Counterclaims

At the heart of the conflict lies a boundary dispute, with both Kokotoru (Delta State) and Adoloseimo II (Ondo State) insisting the disputed area belongs to their respective kingdoms — Egbema and Arogbo.

  • Kokotoru insists the traditional arbitration of 2024, presided over by the Arogbo monarch, conclusively declared the land theirs.

  • Adoloseimo II, however, disputes this ruling and even filed a case in an Ondo State court, continuing to assert ownership.

The result has been a cycle of attacks, reprisals, and counterclaims, leaving ordinary villagers as casualties.

Calls for Urgent Government Action

Both communities now live under fear and uncertainty. While Kokotoru mourns burnt villages and displaced families, Adoloseimo II grieves the death of Mr. Abeke Okiriji and the disappearance of others.

Community leaders on both sides are appealing for urgent intervention by the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and other security agencies.

With allegations of political and police influence adding fuel to the fire, observers warn that without swift and impartial government action, the crisis could spiral into a full-scale communal war.

The Way Forward

As at the time of filing this report, no official government position has been issued on the renewed violence. However, stakeholders across Delta and Ondo States stress that lasting peace can only come through:

  • Respect for traditional arbitration and boundary demarcation.

  • Deployment of joint security task force to the disputed area.

  • Dialogue and peace meetings facilitated by neutral parties.

  • Prosecution of offenders regardless of their affiliations.

Until then, Kokotoru and Adoloseimo II remain locked in a dangerous conflict that threatens to destabilize the wider Niger Delta region.

✍️ By Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond
For Global Egberi Media International

📧 Email: globalegberimedia@gmail.com
📞 Nigeria: +234 813 490 2214 | Italy: +39 348 610 6794
🌐 Website: Global Egberi Media International


Comments

Post a Comment