By CLARA EGBOGOTA

Brig.-Gen. Moronfolu Shonibare has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies amid tensions in Ugborodo and Ogidigbe communities in Delta State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, and released in Asaba on Wednesday.

Shonibare is the Commander, 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe.

He said the Joint Task Force had deployed troops to maintain peace in the feuding Ugborodo and Ogidigbe coastal communities of Warri South-West.

According to him, the Brigade noted allegations and counter-allegations driven by a sinister motive to prolong the crisis between both communities.

He warned all parties to desist, stressing that: “Any further breakdown of law and order will not be tolerated.

“Accordingly, troops have been deployed and the situation has been brought under control effectively.”

He assured that troops would act professionally, in line with rules of engagement and respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights.

“The deployment of troops will remain in place for the sustenance of peace and stability in the area,” he added.

Shonibare reiterated the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying adequate measures had been taken to prevent escalation.

He warned against subtle attempts at dragging troops into needless communal controversies, stressing peaceful resolution as the end-state.

The commander urged residents to provide actionable intelligence on crisis merchants, reassuring that normalcy would be fully restored to Warri. (NAN)