By Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
Following a recent communal conflict that disrupted peace and livelihoods in the area, the Edo State Government has provided financial support and relief materials to the Maidoti and Gbelebu communities in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
As tensions between the two neighboring communities escalated and turned violent, the State Government, through its Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), assessed the situation immediately and provided financial assistance to impacted families.
In an attempt to provide assistance, twenty million Naira was distributed to help rebuild damaged structures and community infrastructure.
During his visit to the impacted communities to determine the extent of the damage, speak with stakeholders face-to-face, and advocate for peace and recovery, State Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo made promises that are being fulfilled by the interventions.
The residents of Maidoti and Gbelebu were promised financial support, relief supplies, and the construction of a security post.
The government provided truckloads of rice and other necessary food supplies to the communities in addition to the financial assistance. The State Governor oversaw the distribution of aid, acting through Hon. Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA.
Residents were reassured by the governor of his administration’s steadfast dedication to sustainable peace and grassroots development.
“This is governance in its purest and most compassionate form,” he said. Not only are we distributing food. Your strength and your right to a concerned government are being strengthened. Financial aid was immediately sent to affected families so they could begin housing reconstruction and property restoration. Not just any gesture, though. It was a pledge with action.
Sen. Okpebholo linked the intervention to broader national priorities; noting that the efforts reflect the synergy between the State and the Federal governments under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government has prioritised grassroots engagement and inclusive recovery. He concluded that his administration is proud to complement that agenda through direct interventions such as witnessed in the affected communities.
The communal clash had severely strained relationships between Maidoti and Gbelebu. However, through prompt mediation and continuous dialogue with local stakeholders, peace has now been restored. Both community leaders and residents have confirmed the return of calm and pledged their supports for long-term harmony.
Mr. Igbala Ibazuaye, the Chief Security Officer of Maidoti’s Local Vigilante Group, said, “I called out to the Governor and he welcomed us to Government House,” expressing his sincere gratitude for the Governor’s quick and kind response. He fulfilled his promises of establishing a security post and providing twenty million Naira, among other things. Peace has returned since he arrived, only five days after the incident, and declared it.
Similarly, High Chief Enoch Soluboh, the Amanowei of Gbelebu Community, praised the Edo State Governor for keeping his word, stating, “At first, we were skeptical due to past disappointments, but this Governor kept his words.” We will keep backing his government as long as there is peace.
Residents of both communities expressed gratitude and joy upon receiving the relief supplies, calling the act “unprecedented.” The leaders of both groups reaffirmed their dedication to upholding harmony and assisting the State Government’s more comprehensive development plan.
