By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Okpare-Olomu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has refuted claims that soldiers engaged in violent conduct during a recent dispute. Youth leader Andrew Okpogbodu described the allegations as “typical lies” intended to tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Okpogbodu clarified that soldiers were invited to restore peace after a conflict erupted on December 28. According to him, the crisis began when some youths allegedly loyal to the community’s President-General, Okiemute Otoka, attacked a police officer, stole his rifle, and injured a vigilante member who remains hospitalized.
“The soldiers came to support the police in restoring calm and recovered the stolen rifle. They did not fight anyone,” Okpogbodu asserted.
He also accused Otoka of rejecting attempts by the Ughelli Area Commander and the Local Government Council to mediate the crisis. “He was advised to resolve internal issues before organizing a community conference, but he refused,” Okpogbodu added.
In response, President-General Okiemute Otoka dismissed claims of division in the community, stating, “We are over 95% united in fighting injustice perpetrated by a few individuals.”
Otoka alleged that the ongoing crisis stems from the illegal land sales orchestrated by a group of “super elders.” He claimed these elders manipulate the community and suspend those opposing their actions.
“The community’s annual conference, a platform for addressing grievances, had not been held for seven years. I insisted on addressing illegal land sales and security concerns, but these elders sabotaged my efforts,” he said.
Otoka accused the youth leader of complicity, alleging, “The land where he built his house belongs to someone else. He’s part of the problem I’m trying to fix.”
He further claimed that the elders obtained an interim injunction from a customary court to prevent the December 26 annual conference but vowed to challenge the order legally.