The battle over paternity of a 16-year-old girl, identified simply as Edith, has pitted two families against each other in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Punch reports.
Based on what was gathered, the battle between the two families ─ Owhigho and Emokpor ─ in Iri community might result in bloodbath.
As stated by a source, the mother of the girl, identified simply as Omovie, had been summoned by Owhigho family, whose member she had a relationship with before her marriage to a member of Emokpo family.
He said: “The Owhigbo family she had been pregnant for two months before marrying her husband. The family members said apart from the facial resemblance between the girl and other members of Owhigho family, there was a generational birthmark discovered within the neck region of the girl as also seen in some of the family members.
“But the woman, who is from Enwhe community, said she had the daughter for her husband, who she had been legally married to for 16 years.
“The explanation was rejected as the Owhigbo family insisted on taking the child after 16 years of being raised by Emokpor family. This has continued to generate serious argument, which could explode into violence anytime. The issue has also divided the community.”
Meanwhile, the familes have been advised by concerned persons to seek medical clarification through the DNA test to prove the paternity claim, despite the woman's rejection of the suggestion.
A leader of the community, Chief Robert Akporah said both families claiming the paternity of the girl would be taken before the community shrine.
He said: “All of them, including the woman would swear before the shrine to ascertain the veracity of their claims. As far as I am concerned, that is the only way peace can reign.”