…orders feuding communities to keep off disputed land
… charges security agencies to maintain peace
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has prohibited access to all parties involved in a land dispute that resulted in the killings of persons in Sabongida-Ora, in Owan West Local Government Area of the state.
Obaseki, who was accompanied by security chiefs on a fact finding mission in Sabongida-Ora, reassured that the government will do everything to ensure that the communal clash is brought to an end.
The governor also ordered the Edo State Police Commissioner to ensure that his directive is completely obeyed by Saboginda-Ora and Uhonmora people until the issue is resolved.
Obaseki noted that, “all the land affected must be vacated immediately. I don’t want to see anybody on the land affected by this crisis. Farming or any other activity must not go on in that land as all activities must be suspended until a decision is reached on the matter. Commissioner of Police, please make sure your men enforce this order”.
“My mission here is to restore peace and find out the problem, as there has to be immediate, short and midterm actions. There are lives lost; the issue must not be swept under the carpet as it is government responsibility to protect lives and properties”.
“The issues are social, economic and security issues and the solution has to be encompassing and we all have to be alive to solve it.”
He continued: “I am here with security chiefs to evaluate the security situation and take certain decisions. I am glad that the situation is under control and will not take it for granted as security agencies will continue to be here to ensure normalcy is restored.
“I will consult to find out and evaluate whether we would set up a Commission of Enquiry, Tribunal of Enquiry or just a Panel of Enquiry. We would decide and give everyone the opportunity to air their views on how it will be resolved permanentl
