The body called on the military to conduct thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
A statement, signed by its spokesman, Binebia Princewill, while describing the incident as unacceptable, said the act was an evil that must not be swept under the carpet as bringing the culprits to book would serve as a deterrent to others.
It read: “It is very unfortunate that people will dare to have the impetus and temerity to invade and attack soldiers on a peace mission to resolve the lingering communal battle between the people of Okuama in Ughelli South and their brothers from Okoloba community in Bomadi Council of Delta State. To us, this is not only barbaric but also unacceptable.
The council, however, frowned on the method being used in the search by soldiers for the perpetrators as sources from the communities reported that many innocent people had been killed.
The statement tasked the military not to go out of the rules of engagement and be professional in their operations.
The statement called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to quickly resolve whatever differences the people of Okuama and Okoloba had before it would degenerate to something else.
“The government must not appear to be too relaxed in tackling communal clashes, there is nothing that is more disturbing than this news at the moment, the Government must swing into action now. We have lost too many precious lives in this battle already as we cannot afford to lose anyone going further.
“The Ijaws and Urhobos are one united big family, whatever that is affecting Ijaw is also affecting Urhobo. Most Ijaw people are traceable to Urhobo, likewise the Urhobos. We are actually fighting over nothing. Peace is indeed priceless; we must continue to learn how to tolerate ourselves and live peacefully together. What binds us together as brothers is greater than what divides us as a people”, the statement added.
