Ijaw Group To Obaseki: We Are Ready To Drop Arms

Warring groups in Okomu, Ovia South West local government area of Edo State have said they were ready and willing to drop their arms and ammunition to embrace peace in the agrarian community.

Recall that over the years, the community has been plunged into violent crisis with multi-nationals as the community is alleging neglect and marginalisation against the Okomu Ijaw host community.

The chief priest and spiritual master of Okomu Ijaw Liberation Movement, Chief Lawrence Yanbor, who made this known in a message to Governor Godwin Obaseki said they were ready to drop their arms if their demands are met by the multinational doing business in their community.

Giving a narrative of what led to the crisis, Yanbor stated: “For many years, we felt oppressed, neglected and also denied of our political and indigenous rights as the host of Okomu land in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

“We have over the years not been given the basic necessities for decent living such as decent schools, motorable roads, industrial boreholes, infrastructure, among others.

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“This perceived neglect and marginalisation of our people, among several other reasons, have since 2010 led to our agitation that the relevant authorities, the government and others like Okomu Oil Palm Company, Ose Rubber and Okomu National Park Service should hearken to our demands for a turn of the deplorable situation to a better one for the generality of the people. We did a publication in a national newspaper on May 24, 2024, where we highlighted our grievances.”

HR said, “if the situation is resolved amicably we are willing to drop our arms and ammunition to the governor and embrace peace such that there will be no victor and no vanquished at the end of the day.

“Considering that there is no alternative to peace and tranquility, we are appealing to the governor and the security agencies to intervene and resolve the issue. We are in full agreement with the governor to drop our arms in a proper reconciliation. We promise that we will adhere to the peace agreement.”