Alleged Attack: Edo Community Protest, Seeks Federal Govt, State, Oba’s Intervention
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin
Elders and Indigene of Ogbeson N’ Evbuosa community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, yesterday cried out to Federal Govt, Edo state Governor, the Palace of the Oba of Benin, to urgently come to their aid and investigate the activities of a former secretary of the community Best Ukposisi and his cohort on what they describe as threat to life.
They made the call during a peaceful protest to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre GRA Benin.
Speaking for the protesters the Odionwere of the community Pa. Samuel Igbinosun, displayed a clarification letter from the palace of the Oba of Benin clarifying his Odionship as the rightful and approved Odionwere (head) of Ogbeson N’ Evbuosa village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Pa. Igbinosun alleged that the Ukposisi brothers led by Best Okposisi have been terrorizing the community over the years selling all kinds of land of the community.
According to him, two members of their community identified as Best Okposisi and Ike Okposisi are after their lives as a result of being witnesses towards their oppressive and kleptomaniac attitude.
He alleged that the two persons have sold almost all the land in the community and stole about #100 million naira from the pulse of the Ogbeson N’ Evbuosa community.
He further said that, they had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police on the matter and investigation is already ongoing but, the wives of the accused reached out to the police authority and justice is about to be thwarted.
“The reason why we are here today is that, we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Edo state governor, the palace of the Oba of Benin, security agencies and well meaning nigerians to come to our aid over the injustice that happened in the Ogbeson community.
“Okposisi is after our lives to kill us. Himself and accomplice have stolen over One Hundred Million Naira in Ogbeson community account, sold hectares of land to unauthorized buyers. They are now after our lives to kill us. Just because we are witness to what is happening in the community.
“We have gone to Abuja and investigation is ongoing and all of a sudden we heard that the wives of Best Okposisi and Ike Okposisi have contacted IGP Solomon Arase that their husband should be released. They are now on their way to Benin as we speak. We beg the presidency to come to our aid. To make them conclude the investigation and not coverup or pervert justice.”
In his response, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe assured the the protesters that the issues raised will be thoroughly investigated to ensure balanced reportage.
He thanked them for towing the line of peace during the protest: ” Please, maintain peace because right now Edo State needs peace. As the 2024 election is coming, we pray nobody shall die especially in your village. Tey as much as possible to stay away from anything that may lead to death.”
A call put across to one of the accused Friday Okuwe was picked by his wife who said her husband wasn’t around for comment.
All efforts to reach the Edo state police command PPRO for comment proved abortive as he was said to be away for official engagement.
