By Tracy Ohovwore
Residents of Oghede community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have raised alarm over the demolition of properties allegedly built on their ancestral land, calling for urgent intervention.
Last week, a group of protesters stormed the Edo State House of Assembly, urging lawmakers to intervene and restrain the Nigerian Army from what they described as illegal demolition and forceful acquisition of community land.
In reaction to the growing tension, the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) criticized the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Osadebamwen Aghahowa, accusing him of mishandling the crisis. The group said he should have sought the intervention of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, instead of resorting to self-help.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, through a statement signed by Captain Chinonso Oteh, Acting Assistant Director of Public Relations at the 4th Brigade Headquarters, warned land grabbers and encroachers to steer clear of its barracks land.
The brigade expressed concern over the actions of certain community leaders, especially the traditional ruler, King Osazebare Aghahowa, whom it accused of encouraging encroachment on military property.
According to the Army, the ongoing activities undermine peace efforts aimed at resolving the land dispute between the community and the military through dialogue. The brigade said the continued disregard for lawful agreements may compel it to demolish all illegal structures erected on military land within Ekehuan Cantonment.
It added that some of the affected structures are situated in restricted zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises, posing serious risks to public safety.
The Army also alleged that the Enogie and his associates were attempting to fraudulently claim the entire barracks area for personal gain. It claimed he had forged a Nigerian Army document falsely indicating that the disputed land had been released to the community.
The Army clarified that the land in question was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966 and was issued Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751 on April 26, 1994, under the laws of Edo State.
