Delta community begins return to ancestral home destroyed by war

WARRI —INDIGENES of Ajawinomi, the Ijaw community in Yokri, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, have began to return to  their homeland after years of displacement by the 1997 Itsekiri, Ijaw ethnic war in the area.

A statement by Elder Ekpozimine Michael, among other leaders of the community, noted that gunmen in 1997 invaded the community in a fatal attack resulting in the destruction of their major local cargo boats, speedboats and their houses with lives lost as survivals deserted the community.

Toju Ogbe, chairman of the community, added that, “Since the destruction of our homeland, we have been scattered in different areas, taking refuge in various communities. As we gradually settle down, we appeal for support from government and companies operating in our area in our resettlement efforts.”

Meanwhile, chairman of Burutu council, Chief Ebikeme Clark, said that ”The Ajawinomi community has been in Ward II and also inclusive in the map of government since its creation by then military government in 1976.”

He enjoined other stakeholders that, “Ajawinomi has been duly registered and is being treated solely as indigenes of Burutu council. You can as well accord them necessary assistance.”

The post Delta community begins return to ancestral home destroyed by war appeared first on Vanguard News.