By Ayodele Oni
Fear of possible reprisal attack may have compel some residents of coastal communities in Ondo state to start relocating from their domains.
The fleeing people, mainly women and children are leaving communities in Ilaje local government, following rumour of possible attack by their neighbouring Ijaws from Ese Odo local government.
The Ijaws are said to be planning to avenge the killing of one of their kinsman by yet to be identified persons.
The state government has however doused the rising tension in the coastal areas assuring the people of adequate protection.
Government, in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Richard Olatunde, said that “It has come to the knowledge of the Ondo State Government that women and children are leaving some riverine Ilaje communities in droves, owing to certain unfounded rumours about an imminent attack from Ijaw youths to avenge the alleged murder of one of their kinsman from Akpata in Ese-Odo local government.
“The Government condemns in very strong terms, every criminal act that leads to the killing of anyone.
“It is in this regard that security agencies have been directed to get to the root of this alleged crime. Investigations are already on in respect of this development.
“The Government therefore, urges fleeing indigenes and residents, if any, to return to their normal places of abode and continue with their lawful businesses without fear.
“The Governor pray all communities, including those perceived to have been hurt, to refrain from any act in the direction of self-help. Such shall not be tolerated in any manner.
“Government accordingly, appeals to all persons of goodwill, particularly Traditional Rulers as well as Religious Leaders of the affected areas, to rein in their subjects to avoid unnecessary conflict in the relatively peaceful riverine areas of the State.
“Nonetheless, Government is not oblivious of the fact that certain persons, especially politicians, are striving hard to heighten the tension with a view to deriving imaginary political advantages.
“This is not just condemnable. It is criminal and wicked that such acts targeted to deepen disharmony and distrust are being oiled for political gains.
“The good people of both Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas are enjoined to be vigilant so as not to be misled by persons who do not mean well for them.”
