A violent clash erupted between the Sapele Okpe community in Sapele Local Government Area and the Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly over a long-standing land dispute. The confrontation, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly led to the shooting of a Sapele Okpe resident, Patrick Gageche.

Community representatives in Sapele, including Onoriode Temiagin, Godwin Atose, and Austin Arieja, addressed journalists on Wednesday, condemning the attack. They alleged that the incident was orchestrated by Abigborodo youth leader Ephraim Mebradu under directives from his community's leadership.

According to the Sapele Okpe leaders, Gageche was fishing when he was shot in what they described as an attempt to intimidate their people and forcefully seize the disputed Otonyasere and Ugbekoko lands. They insist that these lands historically belong to the Okpe Kingdom and accused a prominent Abigborodo figure, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, of presenting falsified documents to government agencies in a bid to support Abigborodo’s territorial claims.

Referencing colonial-era land documents, including the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve Ordinance of 1933, the Sapele Okpe community argued that historical records affirm their ownership. They dismissed claims that a judicial panel had awarded the land to Abigborodo, describing such assertions as "false and misleading."

Beyond the land dispute, the Sapele Okpe leaders expressed concerns over what they described as a pattern of harassment and intimidation against their people since 2019. They alleged that several members have been targeted with criminal charges, including accusations of murder and kidnapping, in an effort to suppress their resistance.

“We call for a legal resolution rather than violence,” the community leaders stated. “Land ownership should be determined in court, not through intimidation or force. We challenge those claiming rights over the disputed territory to present their case legally rather than resorting to aggression.”

They also urged federal and state authorities to intervene, calling on security agencies to investigate the attack on Gageche and take necessary action against those responsible. Additionally, they demanded the disbandment of any armed groups operating in the area.

Despite the rising tensions, the Sapele Okpe community urged their people to remain calm and not retaliate. “We must allow the law to take its course. Violence will only escalate the situation, and we are committed to pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic means.”

As the crisis intensifies, stakeholders have called on the Delta State Government and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to step in and mediate a resolution before the conflict spirals further. They emphasized the need for a transparent and lasting solution to prevent further destabilization of the region.