The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to leaders and residents of Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Edo State, alleging persistent encroachment on military land surrounding the Ekehuan Barracks in Benin City.
In a statement released Saturday, Captain Chinonso Oteh, Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, stated that the army is considering decisive actions, including the demolition of illegal structures erected on the disputed land.
The statement expressed concern that community leaders have continued to disregard previous agreements made to resolve the dispute peacefully. Capt. Oteh noted that the alleged encroachment, purportedly led by community heads, violates an earlier out-of-court settlement reached after the communities initiated legal action against the army.
“The Nigerian Army, in the spirit of goodwill and civil-military cooperation, agreed to an out-of-court settlement after the communities’ claims were found to lack legal merit, to promote peaceful conflict resolution,” Oteh stated. “Regrettably, instead of honoring the terms of the settlement, community leaders have continued to sell portions of the Nigerian Army’s land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private individuals.”
The army further alleges that some illegal developments are located in restricted zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises, posing significant safety risks to the public. They warned that continued illegal activities could lead to the complete takeover of Ekehuan Barracks land by land grabbers, allegedly led by the Enogie (Duke).
The army also accused community leaders of forging official documents, falsely claiming that the Nigerian Army had relinquished ownership of the disputed land.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army land at Ekehuan was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966, and a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 11751) was issued on April 26, 1994, under the laws of Edo State,” Oteh clarified.
The 4 Brigade reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Edo State and affirmed that it would not be swayed by blackmail or misinformation from individuals seeking personal gain.
