There are strong indications that a peaceful resolution is on the horizon over the land dispute between the Nigerian Army and Oghede Community in Ovia Northeast local government area following the intervention by the member representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, on Friday. Imasuen paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the troubled community after men of the Nigerian Army embarked on an exercise to recover properties from those who had allegedly encroached on their lands.
The lawmaker who was conducted on a fact-finding mission to the community led by the Brigade Commander, 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Olufemi Oduyebo, was also accompanied by the member representing Ovia North East Constituency, Hon Andrew Uzamere.
Others in his entourage were a former chairman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Major General Charles Omoregie, Hon. Orobosa Omo, former Commissioner for Transport in Edo State and Hon Andrew Uzamere, representing Ovia North East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly.
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 is restored.
He also appealed to the Enogie to prevail on residents whose properties are within Army 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 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, Brigadier Gen Oduyebo regretted that several peaceful attempts to stop land grabbers from encroaching had failed which led to the demolition of new buildings that were under construction.
Oduyebo however thanked Senator Neda for his intervention, assuring him that the army would stop further demolition to pave 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 fact-finding mission that Senator Imasuen had proposed.
