A peaceful resolution appears to be on the horizon over the land dispute between the Nigerian Army and Oghede Community in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo State following the intervention by the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, on Friday.
Imasuen intervened when he embarked on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the troubled community after men of the Nigerian Army had embarked on the demolition exercise of properties of those who had allegedly encroached on their lands.
The federal lawmaker, who was conducted on the fact-finding mission to the community led by the Brigade Commander, 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Gen. Ebenezer Olufemi Oduyebo, was also accompanied by the member representing Ovia North-East state constituency, Hon. Andrew Uzamere.
Others in his entourage include the former Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta (JTF), Major General Charles Omoregie, and Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP.
While explaining the reason for his visit at the palace of the traditional ruler, the Enogie of Oghede Community, HRH Osazebare Aghahowa, Imasuen assured the Enogie on the need for a peaceful and amicable resolution of the dispute, adding that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure peace and harmony were restored.
He also appealed to the Enogie to prevail on residents whose properties are within the Army’s shooting range to relocate for their safety.
Imasuen said, “We want a peaceful resolution in the community so that the Army and the people can work side by side. The Army has been very gracious by explaining everything that has been happening and after here, I will be meeting with the governor to see how the issues can be resolved.
“The Army has told us that they have stopped demolishing especially properties that are fully occupied. But for those who are within the shooting range, there is nothing we can negotiate.
“From what I have seen in the map, the land was given to the Army since 1966 with survey papers, but a lot has happened within that period and now.”
On his part, the Brigadier Commander, Gen Oduyebo, regretted that several peaceful attempts to stop land grabbers from encroaching on the land had failed, which led to the demolition of new buildings under construction.
Oduyebo, however, thanked Senator Neda Imasuen for his intervention and reassured him that the Army will stop further demolition to pave the way for negotiations and immediate restoration of peace between the institution and their host communities.
Responding, the Enogie pledged his support for the peace initiative and acceptance of the paceceful resolution that Senator Imasuen had proposed.
