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Irri Crisis: Royal Father's Son Beheaded

Vanguard (Lagos)
NEWS
October 11, 2004
Posted to the web October 11, 2004

By Emma Amaize
Warri
THE already decomposed corpse of the son of the Odiologbo (Traditional ruler)
of Irri, Delta state, who was killed, last month, in a bloody clash between two
rival factions in the town over control of largesse from the oil companies has
been found in a swamp with his head beheaded.
An authoritative source told Vanguard that "the killers went away with his head
to teach the traditional ruler a lesson." Meanwhile, the Odiologbo who fled the
town after his palace was set ablaze "is still living in exile."
Commissioner for Special Duties, Inter-Ethnic Relations and Conflicts
Resolution, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay confirmed the discovery of the headless
corpse of the traditional rulers son and the extent of governments intervention
for peace in the area to Vanguard in an interview.
"Well, the government is doing all its best to ensure that peace returns to the
town. You will recall that about three or four weeks ago, they opened up
violence again during which a number of persons were killed but the son of the
traditional ruler was said to be missing and one of the feuding groups was said
to have killed him. They were so many witnesses to that but no evidence.
"Finally, the police arrested six persons; two connected to the killing of the
boy; the other four with the destruction of the palace. The decomposing corpse
of the Odiologbo's son was found in a swamp without the head and that almost
led to another crisis but the state had to move in to pacify the people to take
it easy.
"We know that justice will be done. The Governor, Chief James Ibori has asked
the police to immediately prosecute those arrested, whether for murder, arson
or destruction while more investigation is being carried out. More have to be
arrested, especially those fingered in the ranks of leaders of these groups",
he said.

   

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