By Innocent Igelle
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, has issued a stern warning against acts of disorderliness and lawlessness following the disruptive conduct exhibited by some Junior Youths of Rijo Community arising from a leadership disagreement involving the youth body and members of the Community Executive Committee.
The Chairman stated that his administration was alerted to the brewing crisis through a distress call from the leadership of the Ufia Development Association (UDA). Acting in line with his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, Engr. Sunny Oche immediately directed the deployment of security operatives to Rijo Community. The swift intervention successfully brought the skirmishes under control and prevented further breakdown of law and order. Following detailed security briefings, the Chairman directed all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and submit themselves to lawful processes.
Describing the incident as a minor squabble between kinsmen that degenerated into a serious breach of public peace, the Council Chairman warned that the Local Government will not tolerate any form of violence, intimidation, or self-help under the guise of leadership disputes. He stressed that the use of force, destruction of property, and threats to public safety constitute criminal offences punishable under extant laws, and that ignorance of the law will not serve as a defence.
Engr. Sunny Oche particularly condemned the willful destruction of properties belonging to perceived leaders in the community, describing such actions as criminal vandalism and a direct affront to constituted authority. He emphasized that youths and community leaders alike are subject to the law and must conduct themselves with restraint, maturity, and respect for due process. Those holding positions of trust, he added, must recognize their legal obligation to act transparently, responsibly, and in the best interest of the people they serve.
The Chairman reiterated that leadership and communal disputes must be channeled through recognized institutions such as the Ufia Development Association (UDA) and other lawful community authorities empowered to mediate and resolve conflicts. Any individual or group that bypasses these structures and takes the law into their own hands will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
Accordingly, Engr. Sunny Oche has directed that full investigations be sustained, with a view to identifying and prosecuting all persons found to have instigated, financed, or participated in acts capable of disrupting public peace. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to apply the full weight of the law without fear or favour.
While approving the immediate resumption of legitimate commercial activities at Edokpo Market, the Chairman has imposed a strict ban on all unlawful assemblies, meetings, or processions within Rijo Community that could threaten public order. Security agencies have been duly mandated to enforce this directive till further notice, and any defiance will attract arrest and prosecution.
The Chairman reassured the people of Rijo Community and the entire Ado Local Government Area of his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and the rule of law, urging all residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and allow due process to prevail.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle cLMiH, mPPSN, ACAI
Principal Private Secretary To The Chairman; juliovirgo@gmail.com, 08065365371
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