Leaders of Alagbabiri Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to the Federal and Delta State governments to urgently intervene in a longstanding boundary dispute with neighbouring communities, alleging repeated attacks, abductions and encroachment on their land.
The appeal was made during a media briefing where community leaders expressed concern over what they described as a worsening security situation, following the alleged abduction of some Alagbabiri youths on August 3, 2026.
President-General of the community, Chief Ekpobimi Philip, alleged that Alagbabiri had enjoyed peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities, including Oboro, Bomadi and Olota, until the discovery of oil triggered disputes over land ownership, boundaries and access to economic benefits.
According to him, neighbouring communities have repeatedly crossed into Alagbabiri territory to attack and abduct residents.
Philip recalled an alleged 1995 attack in which armed men from Oboro invaded the community at night, killing residents and destroying houses and other property worth millions of naira.
He further alleged that on August 3, some Alagbabiri youths engaged in legitimate business were intercepted by armed men from Oboro, taken across the river by boat and held captive.
He said the community reported the incident to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, who directed the Divisional Police Officer in Burutu to intervene.
One of the alleged victims, identified simply as Napolite, claimed that he and his brother were tied up by armed men while working in the bush before being taken away by boat and detained for about a day.
A former President-General of the community, Captain Philippe Emubosa, attributed the crisis to issues surrounding oil exploration, noting that crude oil was discovered in the area in 1972.
He alleged that Alagbabiri lost out in earlier decisions affecting the community because many of its people were not educated at the time.
Emubosa stressed that the community was committed to peace and called on the government to investigate historical records, clearly define the boundaries of the affected communities and bring a lasting solution to the dispute.
Also speaking, Evangelist Moses Enyu Sargent appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and ensure a peaceful resolution.
He said the community had deliberately chosen dialogue and lawful intervention instead of violence, urging the government to act before the situation escalates.
