The Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, has issued a strong warning to land grabbers and encroachers, particularly individuals from Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, to immediately desist from trespassing on military land within the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan.
In a statement on Monday, the Brigade expressed serious concern over the actions of some community leaders, especially the Enogie (Traditional Ruler) of Oghede, His Royal Highness Osazebare Aghahowa, accusing him of persistently encouraging illegal encroachment on Army land. The Brigade noted that this behavior undermines the peace process aimed at resolving the longstanding land dispute between the Army and the community through peaceful dialogue.
According to the Brigade, despite the illegal occupation of military land by some members of the communities, the Nigerian Army had demonstrated goodwill by opting for peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. However, rather than embracing this opportunity, the community pursued legal action against the Nigerian Army. After realizing that their claims lacked legal merit, the community agreed to an out-of-court settlement a proposal the Army accepted in the interest of peace and civil-military relations.
Regrettably, the Army stated that community leaders have since violated the terms of the resolution by continuing to sell portions of military land to private developers, hoteliers, and individuals. These actions, according to the statement, have not only defied lawful agreements but also compromised public safety, as some illegal structures now sit within restricted military zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises.
The Brigade warned that it would be left with no option but to embark on decisive enforcement actions, including the demolition of all illegal structures within the Ekehuan Cantonment, to reclaim and secure its lawful territory.
In a disturbing development, the Brigade further alleged that the Enogie and his cohorts have forged a Nigerian Army document to falsely claim that the military had relinquished the disputed land to the community a claim the Army categorically refuted.
For the record, the Nigerian Army affirmed that the Ekehuan Barracks land was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966, with Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751 (Statutory Right of Occupancy) duly issued on 26 April 1994 under Edo State land laws.
Reaffirming its constitutional mandate, the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army stated that it remains resolute in its commitment to peace, safety, and security in Edo State and would not succumb to blackmail, falsehoods, or self-serving propaganda by individuals seeking to appropriate military land for personal gain.
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