Oghede Community, Army Bicker Over Land, Demolition of Houses

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By Lucky Isibor


Residents of Oghede Community in Ovia North- East local government area of Edo State, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest accusing the Nigerian Army, Ekenwan Barrack of land grabbing and  demolishing over hundred houses in the community.


The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions such as ' government help us from the hands of Nigerian Army, destroying our building is an abomination in Edo land, please leave us in peace among others.

Addressing newsmen, the leader of the protesters, Chief Felix Aghahowa said the land rightfully belong to them and that they have valid documents to show that they were living in the community  before the army baracks in Ekenwan was built. 

A cross section of the demolished        buildings.

He alleged that the army has taken over their lands, chasing people out of their houses, adding that they could no longer go to their farms.

"We can  no longer sleep with  two eyes closed  as a result of Army invasion into the Community. Many of us are rendered  homeless".

He called on Edo State government, the Federal government and other relevant authorities to come to rescue them from the hands of the  Army.

Responding, the spokesperson, 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army Benin City, Yemi Sokoya, denied the allegation.

 "The land in question is army land, but community keep selling the land to civilians and building on the land even after several warnings. The Army took them to Court and the Court  order that no body should continue work on the land pending the determination of the matter".

He said instead of allowing the court to do it work, they are encroaching deep into barrack and   rushing to the media with lies.

His words"It is not by protesting or rushing to the media branding the army as wicked organisation but allowing the Court to do their job. We are waiting patiently for the verdict"

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