Tension in Ojuala Waterways as Arogbo-Ijaw Fishing Workers Allegedly Attacked; One Injured in Cutlass Assault
The situation reportedly became more serious when James Uyaboerigha was allegedly struck with a cutlass during the confrontation
Tension has reportedly heightened along the waterways near Ojuala in the Apoi area after a group of Arogbo-Ijaw fishing net workers, popularly known as Obiriki, were allegedly attacked on Tuesday morning while travelling from Igbokoda towards Okitipupa for fishing activities.
The alleged attack reportedly left one of the fishermen, identified as James Uyaboerigha, injured after he was allegedly struck with a cutlass during a confrontation over access to the waterways.
According to an account provided to Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters (AIV) by one of the fishermen who claimed to have participated in the incident, the confrontation occurred near Ojuala, around the Opuke area of Apoi, as the group travelled along their usual fishing route.
The source alleged that the fishermen encountered a group of men who challenged their movement through the waterways, reportedly claiming ownership of the area and warning them against passing through it.
The fisherman further alleged that the situation escalated into a confrontation despite their attempts to explain that they were only travelling to carry out their fishing activities.
Recounting the incident, the source claimed that the Arogbo-Ijaw fishing workers were only nine in number, while the opposing group allegedly comprised more than 40 men.
He said the numerical difference placed the fishermen at a serious disadvantage, forcing them to exercise restraint and focus on escaping from the scene.
According to him, the fishermen had been using the waterways connecting Igbokoda, Ojuala and Okitipupa for their fishing activities for more than 10 years without experiencing an incident of this nature.
The source expressed concern over the alleged confrontation, particularly because, according to him, the fishermen had maintained cordial relationships with some people in the area.
He alleged that the fishermen had, on several occasions, shared fish with some of the people they encountered, including when they were asked where they came from.
The source said the group never anticipated that their journey would result in a violent confrontation.
The situation reportedly became more serious when James Uyaboerigha was allegedly struck with a cutlass during the confrontation.
According to the account, the injured fisherman fainted twice, prompting his colleagues to prioritise his rescue and seek urgent medical attention.
The other fishermen reportedly managed to escape with him and rushed him to the General Hospital in Igbokoda for treatment.
The source said their immediate concern was to save their colleague’s life and ensure that he received medical attention before informing other members of the Arogbo-Ijaw community about the incident.
The victim’s current medical condition could not be independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The alleged attack has raised concerns about the safety of Arogbo-Ijaw fishing workers who depend on the waterways for their daily livelihoods.
The fishermen’s account suggests that the confrontation could affect their continued access to routes they claim to have used for years to reach their fishing locations.
The allegation that a group of more than 40 men confronted nine fishermen has also heightened concerns about the potential for further violence if the dispute is not addressed through peaceful and appropriate channels.
Stakeholders in the affected communities are encouraged to prioritise dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful dispute resolution to prevent further confrontations and protect lives and livelihoods.
Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters (AIV) considers the allegations serious and calls for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be properly investigated by the relevant authorities.
AIV urges all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any action that could escalate tensions between neighbouring communities or fishing groups.
The organisation also encourages the appropriate security agencies and community leaders to establish the facts, ensure the safety of fishing workers and address any dispute over access to the waterways through lawful means.
As of the time of filing this report, AIV had not independently verified the allegations or obtained an official response from the individuals or communities allegedly involved. It was also unclear whether the incident had been formally reported to the relevant security authorities.
AIV will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as verified information becomes available.