-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Albert OGRAKA:

The UDU of Isoko Nation and Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA has expressed shock over the recent gruesome murder of nine sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom by yet-to-be-identified criminals allegedly over land dispute.

Bashorun Askia, who described the act as dastardly, abominable, barbaric, cowardly, mindless and unacceptable, commiserated with the families of the deceased, His Royal Majesty, Anthony William Ovrawha I, Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom, the President General of Oleh community as well as sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom on the devilish act.

He however, disclosed that taking lives, especially gruesome killing have never been associated with Isoko people, adding that such condemnable acts should not be allowed to happen again in the peace-loving Isoko nation.

A statement personally signed by the UDU of Isoko Nation, reads:

“Last week, the Isoko nation witnessed an abominable act when nine sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom were gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified criminals allegedly over land dispute.

“To say that the dastardly act shocked the Isoko nation is putting it mildly. It was barbaric, cowardly, mindless and unacceptable. I am appalled by the killings, an act that diminishes our people and offends our psyche, our culture and our treasured name as a peaceful and peace-loving people.

“I unreservedly and totally condemn the mindless murder of our people under any guise. I sympathise and commiserate with the families of the deceased, His Royal Majesty, Anthony William Ovrawha I, Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom, the President General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alakri and all our sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom on this devilish act.

“I commend you all for the act of restraint with which the killing is being handled.
Already, I and other leaders of Isoko nation are liaising with relevant authorities and other stakeholders to restore peace to our land and bring perpetrators of the act to book. We are. committed to achieving these objectives.

“Taking lives, especially gruesome killing have never been associated with Isoko people. This must never happen again.”