The ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbide community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Christopher Irivi-Ukulubu and two others were on Saturday arrested by men of the Nigerian Army for alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
It was gathered that the arrest was connected to the recent crisis between Igbide and Emede communities, where no fewer than five persons were feared dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
Further investigation revealed that Mr Irivi-Ukuluba and the two other men, who are all natives of Igbide, armed with sophisticated weapons were caught and apprehended by soldiers when they had allegedly planned to attack the neighbouring community over a land dispute.
Following the alleged invasion, it was gathered that the council Chairman, Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo, on Friday, imposed a 24-hour curfew on the two warring communities and suspended the payment of salaries of traditional rulers in both communities.
These measures were among other resolutions reached by the Isoko South Local Government Security Council after an emergency security meeting over the crisis.
The security council also recommended to the state government, the withdrawal of staff of the office of the traditional ruler of Igbide, Edward Obukeni 1, and that of Emede, Johnson Omote Ewhiri 11, while the Government should no longer recognise the President Generals of both communities.
Meanwhile, the troops have handed the Chairman and the two other men arrested, to the Delta State Police Command.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, who confirmed the handing over of the three men said that the police have commenced an investigation into the incident.
