President, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People(MOSOP), Mr Olu Wai-Ogosu, has said that the group will intervene in the lingering land dispute in Lekuma communities, Tai Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday in Port Harcourt, Wai-Ogosu said the dispute followed a rising tension in Lekuma over forceful invasion and grabbing of the people’s ancestral land.
According to him, Lekuma is a cluster of more than 18 communities categorised in two groups,Tua Tua and Barsi Nonwa kingdoms.
He mentioned some of the popular communities in Lekuma which included Ban-Ogoi, Bara-Ale, Birobara, Botem among others.
The Ogoni leader also alleged that the invasion was being carried out by residents of Oyigbo LGA which shared boundaries with the Lekuma communities.
Wai-Ogosu, therefore, assured on MOSOP’s readiness to begin consultations as soon as possible with leaders of thoughts and traditional rulers across Ogoniland.
He noted that the consultation would provide opportunities for mediation and restore peaceful coexistence in affected communities.
Also at the event, Chief Donatus Bagbi, Paramount Ruler, Gbaken and Chairman of Lekuma Khana Council of Chiefs called for urgent peaceful intervention by stakeholders and securuty agencies.
He noted that the call became necessary to check further breakdown of law and order in the area.