By DADA AYOKHAI
FOLLOWING alleged invasion of their community by the neighbouring Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, the people of Obagie-Nevbuosa Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, have appealed to the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to wade into the impeding crisis between the two communities.
The people lamented that the alleged action of Amagba has caused tension and anxiety in Obagie-Nevbuosa, which according to them is likely to cause breach of peace in the two communities of not urgently checked by the state government.
In a petition written to the state government with reference number GEO/VOL.VI/L.06/2023, dated June 2, 2023 and made available to the press, Counsel to Obagie-Nevbuosa, G E. Oaikhena esq, said that the dispute between the two communities is currently pending in the state high court.
He said that the court in Suit No. B/1116/2021 had held that parties to the suit should maintain the status quo while the case is pending in court, and wondered why the neighbouring Amagba decided to disobey the court decision.
Barrister Oaikhena, claimed that the people of Amagba had in 2012 invaded Okoroma, a camp settlement belonging to his clients’ community, adding that Obagie-Nevbuosa was again invaded by Amagba in 2021 despite the Oba of Benin’s intervention which, he said was in favour of his client.
He said: “That in 2021, the people of Amagba invaded Obagie-Nevbuosa village and the Odiowere (village Head) and elders took Amagba people to High Court, Benin City; Suit No B/1116/2021 which was assigned to High Court 12.
“That the court held that the parties should maintain status quo while case is pending in the court
On or the 28th day of May, 2023, the people of Amagba Community went to plant a sign board in Okoroma camp in Obagie-Nevbuosa village, proclaiming the place as Amagba across oroma river which is the natural boundary Amagba and Obagie-Nevbuosa in two different local government area.
“That the action of the people of Amagba have now caused tension and anxiety on Obagie-Nevbuosa village which is likely to cause a breach of peace in the two communities.
“In the premise of the above analysis, we are appealing to the Governor of Edo State as the Chief Security Officer of the state to intervene in this ugly action of Amagba in order to prevent anarchy in the communities”, he declared.
