EDO SEEKS FG INTERVENTION IN COMMUNAL CRISIS

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, is seeking the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan in a lingering communal clash between the Bini and Ijaw of Ovia North and South-East Local Government Areas of the state.

A tussle over land ownership in the communities has for long struck the wrong cord between the Bini and Ijaw, years after a Supreme Court judgement, presided over by Justice Muhamadu Uwais (retd) decided the case in favour of Oba of Benin in suit No. SC13/1982, of August 9, 1983.

Oshiomhole, in a remark after listening to a presentation of a high powered delegation of traditional rulers and district heads led by the Enogie of Obazuwa, Edun Akenzua, at the instance of the Oba of Benin, Omo N'oba Erediauwa, decried the ensuing bloodbath, while also saluting the tenacity of the traditional rulers for their commitment to peace.

Akenzua had however vowed not to 'cede any foot of land under the jurisdiction of the monarch to impassionate interest groups.'

Appealing to the people to remain calm and not do anything to undermine public peace, the governor promised to invite the leaders of Ijaw in the coastal areas of the state to talk over the matter, at a yet-to-be-fixed date.

Oshiomhole said, 'I'm hopeful that with the support of the Federal Government we will do anything to control peace…We will not overdraw your goodwill, government will take effective action.

'In this part of the country, we have enjoyed relative peace. Both the federal and state governments will ensure that peace is sustained.'

The visitors, had earlier raised the alarm over what they described as incessant invasion of Benin communities, expressing worry over activities of the Ijaw settlers, who they claimed annexed six communities and 'have vowed to extend their frontiers.'

Akenzua said, 'They prevented the Okao of Gelegele who was appointed by Oba Erediauwa to oversee the communities from erecting his house in Gelegele.