VIDEOS: Ongoing Peace Effort Faces Setback as Ogbinbiri Families Allege Bias and Destruction of Ancestral Lands
Ongoing Peace Effort Faces Setback as Ogbinbiri Families Allege Bias and Destruction of Ancestral Lands
GlobalEgberiMedia
The ongoing peace and boundary demarcation efforts between Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu communities in Delta State have suffered a major setback as some families in Ogbinbiri have alleged bias, destruction of farmlands, and encroachment on ancestral lands that have never been in dispute.
Speaking to Global Egberi Media International, Mr. Itoko Uyadongha Steven, a farmer and concerned indigene of Ogbinbiri, expressed sadness and disappointment over what he described as an unfair and destructive process carried out under the guise of peace.
According to Steven, the people of Ogbinbiri agreed initially to cooperate with the independent community intervention team handling the demarcation exercise for the sake of peace and mutual respect. However, to their greatest surprise, large portions of their farmlands — spanning over 30 acres — have reportedly been destroyed, leaving several families without their major source of livelihood.
In his words, “there cannot be peace in a place where there is no truth and justice.” He described himself as the son of High Chief Itoko, grandson of Abisoko, and great-grandson of Abana— a lineage deeply rooted in the history of both Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu. He explained that his forefathers lived harmoniously with their neighbors in the days of Opudi, Ofiseye, Opu-Glase, Ariaye family, Sode, Kurumah, Abisoko, Soroaye, Yebu, Solomon, Abanara, Eyenmi, and Beresibe when communal farming and trade thrived peacefully.
According to him, “our fathers were known for cassava cultivation, plantain farms, fishery, cocoa farming, and rubber plantation. These lands are our inheritance, and they have never been in dispute until now.” He called on the Delta State Government and all relevant security agencies to urgently visit the area for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to prevent further destruction.
He lamented that farmlands cultivated for generations have been bulldozed, with crops and economic trees destroyed, describing the act as “malicious damage to ancestral livelihoods.”
Editorial Comment — Peace Must Be Built on Justice
The efforts of the independent mediators and community leaders toward restoring peace between Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu are commendable, but reports of destruction and bias threaten to undermine the credibility of the entire process.
Peace without fairness is fragile. Every peace effort must be grounded in justice, inclusiveness, and transparency. It is essential that all parties involved — mediators, traditional leaders, and stakeholders — listen to the concerns of affected families to ensure that the reconciliation process truly unites, rather than divides, the people.
As a platform committed to balance and truth, GlobalEgberiMedia urges restraint, dialogue, and fairness in the ongoing boundary demarcation process. Lasting peace can only come when justice is felt by all sides.
Parties must remember that we are one family and must not allow the current dispute to degenerate further.
📍 Source: Field Reports – Global Egberi Media International
✍️ Author: GlobalEgberiMedia
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