A group, the Concerned Ijaw Citizens, has called on the federal and Delta governments to do more to tackle the incessant communal clashes between the Okuama and its neighbour, Okoloba, in the Delta.

In an interview with its coordinator, Manager Seigha, the group appealed to Delta elders to address the conflicts.

He said clashes between the communities had been too many, lingered and needed a permanent resolution.

He noted that at least 17 military personnel were ambushed and killed in Okuama on March 14 as they were responding to a distress call following a community clash.

Mr Seigha said that the situation was regrettable.

“We need an institution or government presence that will engender peace so that we can sleep with our two eyes closed. The government has a responsibility to resolve this matter. Telling people to go back and resolve their conflicts and find peace will not work. The people came to government in the first instance because there was no peace,” he said.

According to the Ijaw community leader, telling the parties in conflict to go home and make peace is not enough.

“Something has to be done. The government should take the pain to the places of the crises and find out for itself what happened. It can set up a truth and reconciliation committee. The government should be firm in identifying who truly owns any disputed land. Government can set a limit for settlers in the interest of peace,” he explained.

He also urged Delta leaders to come together and address clashes between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

“This is not a war between Urhobo and Ijaw, Itsekiri and Ijaw, or Urhobo and Itsekiri. We are the same people. However, this little fight should not be allowed to fester more than what we have at hand. We must do everything possible as responsible leaders to end this as soon as possible.

“Leaders who feel that silence is golden at this time should stop it. By remaining silent, we are creating more problems in our communities,” he said.

(NAN)