Land Grabbing Clash Claims 8 Lives, As Fingers Allegedly Point Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, Gov Obaseki’s Loyalist In Edo
KILLING has resumed between Oke Oroma Ikpoba Okha LGA, and Amagba Oredo LGA, communities, resulting to the deaths of eight persons as Oke Oroma community points accusing fingers at Hon. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen.
The renewed violence began on October 31, 2024, when Amagba community members allegedly attacked Oke Oroma, where two of the attackers died during the cross fire, report made available journalist implied.
“Amagaba and Obazagbon attacked our village last night at about 12 midnight while Festus Ekenagheyo, former youth leader of Obagie N’vbosa attacked Obagie with OPC members and thugs, where Festus said he has overthrown Obagie N’vbosa leadership of the community”, part of the report reads.
An eye witness account revealed that there has been relentless shooting around Ogheghe, Amagba, Obagie and Oke Oroma communities without security intervention as the people residing in the areas have fled the homes.
According to the report, Oke Oroma has been resisting attacks from Amagaba over the years without serious intervention leading to wanton destruction of property and hundreds of deaths between the two warry communities.
The dispute centers on ownership claims to Oke Oroma, also known as Age Emokpae. The Amagba community has continued to assert it is their camp, while Oke Oroma insists on independence, citing historical rulings by the departed Oba Erediauwa and natural boundaries.
From the report, houses and cars have been razed belonging to Oke Oroma Community as a result of the series of previous attacks including the community ancestral house, Oguedion, launched by the Amagba Community.
The long standing boundary conflict between the two communities presents a multifaceted challenge, characterized by diverse viewpoints and competing narratives.
Many believe that the presence of a natural watercourse, should have provided a clear demarcation, but the authorities have failed to address this critical issue.
This inaction has allowed communal tensions to escalate, spreading far-reaching consequences across affected communities with the state government’s response criticized as inadequate, fueling concerns of bias.
“Outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has refused to address the crisis between Amagaba and Oke Oroma communities even after banning Okaighele because Mathew Iduoriyekemwen whose father, elder Joseph Iduoriyekemwen is the odionwere of Amagba community.
“There’s no better time than now for His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11 to step in and halt the escalating killing in the communities now that the number one enemy of the state and Palace, Governor Godwin Obaseki will be exiting power in a matter of days.
“Our Royal Father should, as a matter of urgency, revisit the land grabbing case against Mr. Peter Eboh Amagaba who allegedly hired thugs and OPC members that killed innocent people in those communities.
“In the interest of lasting peace and stability in the state, we urge the in coming Governor, Senator Monday Okpevhbolo to look into land dispute in Edo South that has claimed thousands of lives over the years”, a concern citizen in Benin Citty.
SOURCE: TROJANNEWS
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