Tension in Obayantor 1 Community After Military Invasion

By Our Crime Correspondent

There is growing tension in Obayantor 1 Community in Ikpoba Okha Local area of Edo State following an alleged invasion by military personnels.

Several lifeless bodies were seen on the streets after a violent clash between soldiers and local youths
which was said to have ignited the tense atmosphere.

Journalists could not gain access to the area.
However, some residents who spoke with our team claimed that a former community development Association’s chairman accompanied by security operatives, led the group that triggered the violence.

Eyewitnesses said at least eight people were killed, including some soldiers.
According to information Security forces have since taken over the community.

A resident, Bright Uwumarogie, alleged that his father was shot and killed by soldiers two days earlier. Another eyewitness, Alen Rita, said the invasion threw the community into confusion, with many innocent people caught in the crossfire.

Several displaced residents told The Reliance Crime Correspondent that they were unaware of what caused the crisis but had to flee to stay alive. Patience Idia, one of the affected residents, said she and her family had been hiding in the bush for days with her one-month-old baby. She also said her grocery shop was destroyed and that two of her siblings have been missing since the violence broke out.

When contacted, Captain Yemi Sokoya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 4th Brigade in Benin City, confirmed that soldiers were deployed to the area to restore peace after a leadership tussle between two rival groups overwhelmed the police.

He denied that the army was involved in any unlawful killings, stating that the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) acted on intelligence that some hoodlums were stockpiling weapons in the community. According to him, they met resistance from armed youths, which led to their shooting.

Meanwhile, police sources say the 4th Brigade has submitted a list of individuals allegedly linked to the death of a military officer. Those named in the report, who have since been declared wanted, include Endurance Omoregie (also known as Ajala), Friday Omorogbe Ekuase, said to be the ringleader of the protest, Osarentin Igbinovia (secretary of the community), Ozone Egogo, Blacky, and Oz Idehen.

As of the time of filing this report, the road leading to Obayantor 1, a major route off Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, remained deserted. An area that once saw heavy movement of people and vehicles is now quiet and tense.

Residents are calling on the government to intervene and restore peace to the troubled community.

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