Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has initiated peace talks to resolve the ongoing land dispute between the Nigerian Army and the Oghede community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Addressing journalists in Benin City on Saturday, Senator Imasuen revealed that he visited Oghede on Friday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment following recent demolitions allegedly carried out by the Nigerian Army on encroached land.
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He was accompanied on the fact-finding mission by the Brigade Commander of the 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ebenezer Olufemi Oduyebo, and Hon Andrew Uzamere, the member representing Ovia North East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly.
Also in the delegation were Major General Charles Omoregie, former Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta; Hon Orobosa Omo Ojo, former Edo State Commissioner for Transport; and other community stakeholders.
Senator Seeks Peaceful Resolution
During a visit to the palace of the Enogie of Oghede Community, HRH Osazebare Aghahowa, Senator Imasuen reassured the community of his commitment to achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute.
“We want a peaceful resolution to this land issue so that the Army and the community can coexist in harmony. The Army has been transparent and has agreed to halt further demolitions of fully occupied buildings. I will also meet with Governor Godwin Obaseki to discuss the best path forward,” the senator said.
He noted that while the Army has a legal claim to the land dating back to 1966, the situation has evolved, and dialogue is needed to protect both the Army’s interests and community safety.
He appealed to the Enogie to advise residents whose properties fall within the Army’s designated shooting range to relocate to safer areas.
Army Expresses Readiness for Dialogue
Brigadier General Oduyebo acknowledged that the Army had made several unsuccessful attempts to stop land encroachment through peaceful means, which led to the demolition of unoccupied structures under construction.
He, however, expressed gratitude for Senator Imasuen’s intervention and confirmed that further demolitions would be suspended to allow room for dialogue and reconciliation.
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“We appreciate the Senator’s effort and are willing to engage in peace talks to restore mutual trust between the Army and the host community,” he said.
Traditional Ruler Endorses Peace Effort
In response, the Enogie of Oghede, HRH Osazebare Aghahowa, commended Senator Imasuen’s proactive approach and welcomed the peace initiative. He pledged full support for the fact-finding mission and promised to mobilize community members to cooperate with all stakeholders.
The peace talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further consultations planned between the Senator, the Army, the Edo State Government, and community leaders.
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