Ethnic Crisis Brews as Local Fishermen in Delta Community Arrest Up to 15

Local fishermen

 

Speaking with a correspondent at the “B” Division Police Station in Warri, the Edjeba Community fishermen led by one Benjamin Itu disclosed that an ethnic crisis may be in the offing as fishermen from the community in Warri South Local Government have arrested over 15 illegal fishermen, said to be Hausas, for allegedly destroying and stealing their fishes.

 

According to DailyPost, Mr. Itu noted that the illegal Hausa fishermen, who reside under Ekpan Community’s bridge, entered and commenced fishing in the river without the consent of the Edjeba Community.

 

He accused them of allegedly destroying their nets as well as stealing the fishes of his members.

 

“It is not ordinary fishing these Hausa people do. They troll, destroy and steal our fishes,” he stated.

 

He noted that the illegal Hausa fishers also threatened to burn down the house of one of his members, Mr. Peter Omonefe Villa for daring to question them, as they boasted that, “Na our brother dey rule. Nothing dey happen.”

 

Itu, who was flanked by Steven Ometan, Obinna Appolius, Tuoyo Ofegbage, Moses Ofegbage, Attah Tuoyo and Rolland Ofegbage, stated that, “We don’t need them in our river. They should go before it becomes something else.”

 

None of the Hausa fishers agreed to speak with our correspondent.

 

The Divisional Police Officer “B” Division, CSP Anieteh Eyoh declined comments on the matter. According to him,“I am not permitted to speak to the Press.”