Don’t Sell Military Land, Army Warns Edo Community Leaders

The Nigerian Army on Saturday issued a strong warning to members of Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, alongside other adjoining settlements near the Army Cantonment Ekehuan, over persistent encroachment on military land.

In a statement released by Captain Chinonso Oteh, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Headquarters, Benin City, the Army expressed concern over what it described as “deliberate and unlawful occupation of its land”.

The act, the Army said, is allegedly encouraged by some community leaders, including the Enogie (traditional ruler), His Royal Highness King Osazebare Aghahowa.

Despite efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, the Nigerian Army accused the Enogie and his associates of undermining negotiations and continuing to sell military land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private buyers.

“This blatant disregard for lawful agreements has compelled the Brigade to consider taking decisive actions, including the demolition of illegal structures on military land within the Ekehuan Cantonment,” the statement warned.

“Notably, some of these structures are sited in restricted zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises, thereby posing significant risks to public safety.”

The Army emphasised that its land at Ekehuan was legally acquired and surveyed in 1966, and a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 11751) was officially issued on 26 April 1994 under the laws of Edo State.

Earlier attempts to resolve the dispute had led the communities to initiate legal action against the Nigerian Army.

However, the Army said the case was later withdrawn after the plaintiffs acknowledged that their claims had no legal basis.

Both parties then agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement.

“The resolution reached by the committee mandated both parties to maintain the status quo,” the Army noted.

However, instead of complying, the Army alleged that community leaders violated the settlement terms by continuing illegal land sales.

“If these illegal activities are not halted, they could result in the Enogie and his group of land grabbers unlawfully taking over the entire barracks area for personal gain,” the Army warned.

In a further development, the Army said the Enogie allegedly forged a military document purporting that the Nigerian Army had handed over the disputed land to the community, an action the Brigade described as “deceptive and criminal”.

Reiterating its position, the Army stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army said its land at Ekehuan was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966 and subsequently issued Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751 (Statutory Right of Occupancy) on 26 April 1994, under the laws of Edo State.”

The Brigade concluded by affirming its readiness to carry out its constitutional duties of safeguarding lives, property, and national assets, while warning that it will not be swayed by blackmail or misinformation from individuals driven by personal interests.

Don’t Sell Military Land, Army Warns Edo Community Leaders is first published on The Whistler Newspaper