By; PETER UTEBOR, Asaba Tension is mounting in Delta State as residents of Issele-Azagba and Okpanam fear renewed clashes over an alleged il
By; PETER UTEBOR, Asaba
Tension is mounting in Delta State as residents of Issele-Azagba and Okpanam fear renewed clashes over an alleged illegal boundary adjustment.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the development, warning that it could trigger communal unrest and displace families.
CDHR National President, Comrade Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga, in a statement on Wednesday, described the adjustment as unconstitutional and unlawful. He said local government chairmen have no legal power to alter boundaries under Nigerian law.
He noted that the matter is already before a competent court, yet some parties have resorted to “self-help,” a move he warned undermines judicial authority. “The judiciary must be respected. Any attempt to force a boundary change outside due process is a violation of the people’s rights,” he stressed.
Taiga further faulted a so-called consent judgment being cited in support of the adjustment, describing it as fraudulent and marred by irregularities and exclusion of key stakeholders.
Residents of the two communities have expressed fear that renewed clashes could destroy homes, farmlands, and businesses. “We just want to live in peace, but this boundary issue keeps tearing us apart,” one resident said.
The rights group urged the Delta State Government, the Attorney-General, and the Boundary Committee to intervene urgently and prevent bloodshed.
It also called for an independent probe into the disputed judgment, insisting that all boundary activities should be suspended until the court delivers its verdict.
While appealing to both communities to remain calm, CDHR said only respect for the rule of law can guarantee peace and justice in the area.
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