Communal tension heightens in Oghede community of Ovia North East Local Government Area as men of the Nigerian Army battled alleged land grabbers demolishing properties said to have been built on their land.
Recall that some protesters last week staged a protest to the Edo State House of Assembly prevailing on lawmakers called to Army to order over what they described as illegal demolition and acquisition of the ancestral land.
Also, a social cultural organization, the Benin Solidarity Movement, (BSM) however faulted the way and manner the Enogie of the troubled community Chief Osadebamwen Aghahowa is handling the matter and noted that he should have reported the matter to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for resolution rather resorting to self-help.
President of the group, Comrade Curtis Ugbo said, ” the Enogie knows that he was installed there by the Oba of Benin who is our Royal father and the overlord of all land in the Kingdom. He is supposed to report every situation going there so that he settled the matter.
“Why is he resorting to self-help or going to the social media trying the drag institution of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Army. We are appealing to the Army to stop forthwith with the demolition because such is a taboo in the Kingdom
Meanwhile, a developer in the community, Jessica Salako has fled her site since the face off between Army and the community.
She lamented that since the crisis broke out herself and worker have abandoned the construction of a building she had embarked upon for fear attack.
“In the last one week now I have not gone there. The person that sold the land to me called that it is unsafe for me to come. Even the blocks we moulded are just there, we don’t know what has happened to the materials. Government must do some urgent about this crisis.
But in a swift reaction , the Headquarters 4th Brigade Nigerian Army on Friday in a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 4 Brigade, Captain Chinonso Oteh, warned land grabbers and encroachers in Benin to stay away from it barrack.
The Brigade also expressed deep concern over the activities of some community leaders, particularly the Enogie (Traditional Ruler), His Royal Highness King Osazebare Aghahowa, who the Army alleged has continued to encourage the encroachment on barracks land.
“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.
The added, “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”.
