Nigerian Army warns against encroachment on Ekehuan barracks land

The Headquarters of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, has issued a stern warning to residents and leaders of Oghede, Iyanomo, and adjoining communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State to immediately desist from further encroachment on the legally acquired lands of the Nigerian Army within the Ekehuan Cantonment.

In an official statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the Brigade expressed grave concern over persistent illegal occupation and sale of portions of military land, especially with the active support of some community leaders, most notably the Enogie of Oghede, His Royal Highness King Osazebare Aghahowa.

The Army accused the traditional ruler of undermining a peace process initiated to amicably resolve the long-standing land dispute between the Oghede community and the Nigerian Army.

The statement highlighted that, despite the military’s efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue and goodwill, including participation in an out-of-court settlement process, the community leaders have continued to violate agreements by allocating and selling military land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private individuals.

“The community’s illegal actions not only defy the spirit of the resolution reached through a peace committee but also pose a significant threat to public safety, as some of the encroached areas fall within restricted zones designated for live firing exercises,” the statement noted.

Of particular concern to the Army is the alleged forgery of official Nigerian Army documents by the Enogie, falsely indicating that the Army had relinquished the disputed land to the community — a claim the military has categorically refuted.

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For clarity, the Army emphasized that the Ekehuan barracks land was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966 and was formally documented under Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751, issued on April 26, 1994, in accordance with Edo State land laws.

“The 4 Brigade Nigerian Army reiterates its readiness to defend the sanctity of its legally held property and will not hesitate to demolish all illegal structures erected on military land,” the statement continued. “If these unlawful activities are not halted, it may lead to a complete hijack of military property by land speculators and individuals driven by selfish interests.”

The Brigade concluded by reaffirming its commitment to upholding peace, safety, and national security, and warned that it would not succumb to intimidation, blackmail, or misinformation campaigns by parties engaged in land grabbing.