VISIBLY shocked residents of
Akwukwu Igbo, in Oshimili local government area of Delta State, watched
helplessly at the weekend as scores of half-naked old women in the area
protested recent political developments in the state.
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Besides, the women publicly cursed all those who had
contributed to rupturing the peace in the once-politically serene state.
Led by an Omu (titled woman), the
protesters invoked the spirits of their ancestors to take steps to soothe frayed
nerves arising from the bloody political clashes in the wake of the March 27,
2004 council polls.
About seven persons were reportedly killed
in Asaba about two weeks ago when suspected Ijaw youths protesting an election
decision, clashed with policemen at the state Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC)
headquarters.
Political skirmishes also rocked Isokoland
where an office of the electoral body was burnt, just as another SIEC office was
razed in Aboh, Ndokwa west local government.
The clashes also left property worth
millions of naira destroyed while several persons received critical injuries.
Daily Champion
learnt that some leading people in Akwukwu Igbo had performed rituals at the
weekend for peace in the state.
They were also said to have released a
dreaded ancient curse which becomes traditionally effective after a week.
The said curse, designed to tame any blood-thirsty
trouble-makers through mysterious manifestations, is to ensure that peace
returned to Delta State.
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