Benin City, Nigeria – A surge of violence has struck the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, marked by a series of violent incidents leading to the death of workers, clashes with the military, and widespread terror among locals. This shocking trend of malevolence has escalated as the region approaches its governorship election on September 21.
The troubling spike in violence became alarmingly clear on June 7, when three soldiers, maintaining peace in the region, were ambushed and injured while patrolling in their gunboats. These soldiers are currently recuperating at a military hospital in Benin City.
Adding to the violence, on May 6, three employees of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC tragically lost their lives in an attack while on duty. Although initial suspicions pointed towards local community members, Fidelis Olise, the public relations officer of the company, clarified that the assault was carried out by unidentified assailants. The incident was swiftly reported to the authorities, with the hope that those responsible would be brought to justice.
In response to the ongoing violence, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, confirmed the deployment of additional police forces to the region. He identified that the assailants were from a neighboring state and assured that efforts were underway to capture them.
However, the situation escalated further on May 12, when attackers raided the Marioghionoba Community, resulting in the death of a resident named Eni and leaving many others injured. The assailants also set fire to houses and vehicles, causing immense property damage.
The attackers, identifying themselves as the Ijaw Freedom Fighters, later declared their motivations in an unsigned letter found on the deceased Eni. They demanded a 25 percent share in the Okomu Oil Palm Company and positions on the board, claiming the land on which the company operates belongs to them. Moreover, they advocated for the creation of a dedicated local government for the Ijaw people in Edo State and asked the Bini people to leave the area.
This declaration sparked outrage and fear among local leaders and residents. They called upon the Edo State Government and national authorities to intervene and provide protection. They expressed an urgent need for relief materials and the establishment of a permanent security presence.
Adding to the complexity, attackers reportedly destroyed a base of the Edo State Security Network, exacerbating the lawlessness in the region.
Addressing these issues, Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, emphasized that the state government is dedicated to eradicating criminal elements from the region. He underscored the unacceptable nature of military personnel being targeted and stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of its citizens and their properties.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, appealed for a thorough understanding and resolution of the underlying issues fueling the conflict. He highlighted the longstanding marginalization and neglect experienced by the Ijaw communities in Edo, which lack basic infrastructure and representation.
Amidst these challenges, Donald Inwalomhe, a local analyst, pointed out that the root of the violence might be the contested control over resources within the Okomu National Park rather than direct issues with the Okomu Oil Palm Company.
This multifaceted crisis in Edo State reveals deep-rooted societal and geopolitical strains, as communities grapple with identity, governance, and the control of natural resources. As tensions continue to rise, resolving these conflicts peacefully remains a paramount concern for all stakeholders involved.