Tension In Edo Community Over Alleged Land Grabbing

There is tension in Oghede community of Ovia North East local government area of Edo State as soldiers are battling alleged land grabbers and demolishing properties said to have been built on their land.

Some protesters last week protested at the state House of Assembly asking lawmakers to call the Nigerian Army to order over what they described as illegal demolition and acquisition of their ancestral land.

The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) however faulted the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Osadebamwen Aghahowa, on his handling of the matter, saying he should have reported the matter to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for resolution rather resorting to self-help.

The headquarters of 4th Brigade Nigerian Army yesterday in a statement signed by the acting assistant director public relations, Captain Chinonso Oteh, warned land grabbers and encroachers to stay away from its barracks.

The brigade expressed concern over the activities of some community leaders, particularly the traditional ruler, King Osazebare Aghahowa, whom it alleged had continued to encourage the encroachment on barracks land.

The statement said, “This action undermines the ongoing peace process aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of encroachment between Oghede community and the Nigerian Army through peaceful dialogue.

“This blatant disregard for lawful agreements has compelled the brigade to consider taking decisive actions, including the demolition of illegal structures on military land within the Ekehuan Cantonment.

“Notably, some of these structures are sited in restricted zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises, thereby posing significant risks to public safety.

“If these illegal activities are not halted, they could result in the Enogie and his group of land grabbers unlawfully taking over the entire barracks area for personal gain.

“In an apparent attempt to deceive unsuspecting individuals, the Enogie is reported to have forged a Nigerian Army document falsely claiming that the Army had relinquished the disputed land to the community.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army land at Ekehuan was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966 and subsequently issued Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751 (Statutory Right of Occupancy) on 26 April 1994, under the laws of Edo State”.