Edo farming communities urge Gov. Okpebholo to fast-track permanent security formation

Survivors of the recent invasion of farming communities in Edo State have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to expedite the establishment of a permanent security formation in the area, as previously promised.

The affected communities, located in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

They emphasized that setting up a security formation in the area was the only sustainable solution to prevent further attacks and bloodshed.

The appeal follows a brutal assault on the agrarian communities by suspected militants who stormed the region weeks ago, leaving at least 22 people dead and causing widespread destruction of property. The assailants, believed to have arrived from nearby creeks, opened fire indiscriminately, burned down houses, torched motorcycles, and forced thousands of residents to flee for their lives.

According to NAN, calm is slowly returning to the affected communities, which include Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe, Babadele, and Thousand Camp, thanks to the swift intervention of Governor Okpebholo.

In response to the attack, Okpebholo visited the devastated communities and approved the establishment of a Joint Task Force post to be manned by a combined military and police presence.

He also announced the donation of three Hilux Vans to facilitate round-the-clock patrols in the area.

A NAN correspondent who visited the area noted that while life is gradually returning to normal, many residents remain apprehensive about the possibility of further attacks. The survivors stressed that the creation of a permanent security post was crucial to guaranteeing the safety and security of the farming settlements.

The Baale (traditional leader) of Marindoti Community, Obazuaye Igbala, expressed gratitude for the state government’s intervention but appealed for faster action in fulfilling the promise of a permanent security base.

Igbala revealed that the community had already prepared a temporary security post, equipped with essential amenities such as mattresses, a kitchen, a borehole, and a generator, awaiting the government’s construction of a permanent facility.

“I want to appeal to the governor to expedite action and make his promise a reality,” Igbala said, praising the peace meeting convened by the governor between the farmers and the Ijaw community in the region.

He also urged all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youths, and local vigilante groups, to support the governor’s initiative.

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Echoing similar sentiments, the Baale of Thousand Camp, Chief Ademola Odunola, along with Evangelist Israel Michael, Mrs. Adeola Babatunde, and Adekunle Sunday, lamented the ongoing theft of farm produce by suspected invaders.

Michael thanked the governor for his efforts but once again emphasized the need for a permanent security presence to ensure the safety of the community.

“Most of our people are yet to return home due to the fear of renewed attacks,” Michael said. “Those that invaded our communities are boasting that they will ensure we don’t have a security presence in our area.

We urge the governor to ensure his directives are followed through despite reports suggesting some individuals are trying to undermine the plan.”

He further commended the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin for their continued patrols of the area using the Hilux Vans provided by the state government. Despite the temporary security measures in place, the community leaders reiterated the importance of a permanent security base.

“We did our part by making the temporary site livable for the security operatives, providing mattresses, a generator, water, and other amenities,” Michael added. “But we are still vulnerable. We need a permanent security base to feel safe again.”

NAN