Recce group deployed in troubled riverine community

A Nigerian army reconnaissance group has been sent to a troubled riverine community in Ondo State, where fighting flared up last week between people of the Ilaje and Ijaw ethinc groups, AFP reported. A spokesman for the 2nd Mechanised Division in Ibadan, Major Ayo Olaniyan, told AFP on Monday that the divisional commander, Major General Ekpo Artchibong, had moved to the Ondo state capital, Akure, to direct operations. Clashes between Ijaws and Ilaje resumed on Thursday despite an agreement from community leaders that fighting should stop, AFP said. The conflict first erupted in September 1998 over control of land, after rumours that Western oil companies had shown interest in the area. Ownership of oil land often leads to substantial financial compensation to local communities.