CRISES IN OTOBI/AKPA , GEORGE ALLI, DPO WADES IN, SUES FOR PEACE.
Following the crises which erupted in Otobi/Akpa community which culminated in the death of a 24 year old, Abel Agbo on Monday, November 2nd 2020, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo LG, Rt. Hon. George Alli, visited the community on a fact finding mission and sued for peace.
Hon. Alli, accompanied by the Nigerian Police DPO, Otukpo Division, SP. Yahaya Bawa; a son of the community and Leader, Otukpo Legislative Assembly, Hon. Enokela Enoch Alegwu; Secretary to Otukpo LG, Hon. Barr. Oyaje Egwa; Counselor representing Alan, Hon. James Akpala; Supervisory Counselor for Education, Hon. Frank Rich Ogbole; Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Igoche Ajaka Ikwue; and the Chairman’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Awulegbe Adama, among others, made a brief stop at the palace of the late 3rd Class in the community, Late Chief. Agbo Abel Egaiji; where he commiserated with the family over their son’s death. Hon. Alli was received by the eldest son of the late chief, Mr. Michael Agbo Adakole.
The Otukpo Council Chairman thereafter, proceeded to the community square and was received by the elders. Hon. Alli, while addressing the elders said he had come to see things for himself after receiving news of the crises, which according to him, shocked him so much. He thanked the elders and people of the community for not letting the matter spill out of control.
“Our elders, I greet you all. I came here because of what happened in this community. I came here to what led to this unrest. I want to thank you for bringing the situation under control. It could have been worse. Thank you for exercising restraints by not taking laws into your own hands. I want to assure you, justice will be served”.
An elder in the community, Chief. Odeh Adukpe, the first responder, while lamneting the death of their son, told the Hon. Alli the community decided to follow the path of peace in the matter out of respect for Hon. Alli. He said they hope justice will be served.
“Chairman, we are greatly saddened by the death of our son in the hands of the same people who was accused of killing his parents. We are not afraid of taking a life for a life, but we respect you and we know you will ensure that justice is served in this matter. We want justice”
Johnson Agbo, younger brother to the late 3rd class Chief also spoke in similar tone. The oldest person in the community, Elder. Agbo Ikese, explained the matter in details said it was the chieftaincy tussle which led to the death of the late chief and his wife, that claimed his young sons life.
The Former state Lawmaker said no stone will be left unturnd to get to the root of the matter. The DPO, Yahaya Bawa also thanked the community for not letting the matter get out of hand, saying the matter will be thoroughly investigated and justice will be served. Some persons were arrested in connection with the matte by the Nigerian Police, according to the DPO.
Desmond Oogwu,
Special Adviser,
Media and Gender Affairs
04/11/2020