Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has called on communities in Delta State to embrace peace and shun every attempt to go down the path of conflict.
Gbagi stated this in a statement to the media he personally signed against the backdrop of recent killings of nine persons on Friday in the communal violence that broke out between Oleh and Ozoro communities of Isoko South and Isoko North Local Government Areas of the state.
The former Minister, while commiserating with the families of those who lost their loved ones to the clashes, advised communities to stoop to conquer, as doing so remains the only way to avoid more loss of lives.
“I condemn in its totality the recent communal clashes in Isoko nation. As persons who have lived in Delta State and understand the politics therein, it is sad to note that the situation has degenerated to the loss of lives.
“While I commiserate with the families associated with this loss, I urge all communities in Delta State where there are clashes to embrace peace by burying their grievances.
“Deltans must strive to coexist peacefully by being their brother’s keeper, as it remains the sure way through which our communities can avoid the loss of lives.
“We must stoop to conquer as a people. The lives that are lost today cannot be recovered tomorrow.
“While I’m begging the people and communities to take solace in the fact that it has happened, we must do anything and everything to avert a reoccurrence. I therefore plead with the people for calm,” the former Minister said.
