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Securing Farmers Amidst Rising Attacks In Edo Communities

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By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In Edo, South-South Nigeria, a series of brutal attacks have recently shattered the peace of rural farming communities, leaving behind death, displacement, and despair.

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These incidents have not only claimed lives but also exposed the vulnerabilities of these agrarian societies, revealing the need for enhanced security measures.

On the morning of Feb. 21, seven farming settlements in Ovia South-West Local Government Area were attacked by assailants believed to be militants from nearby creeks.

The affected communities—Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Baba Dele Community, and Thousand Community—are home to diverse ethnic groups.

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They include Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin farmers who primarily cultivate cash crops such as cocoa, kola nut, and palm oil.

The onslaught forced residents to flee en masse, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that at least 23 individuals lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries.

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One witness described the attack as a reprisal for the killing of a suspected cocoa thief, allegedly a militant, by local vigilantes hired by the farmers.

This incident escalated existing tensions between the farmers and the alleged militants, who had previously been accused of encroaching on farmland and stealing produce.

However, the Edo State Police Command confirmed only seven deaths and six injuries, stating that preliminary investigations suggested a communal clash.

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In a statement on Feb. 23, CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, said operatives from the Iguobazuwa Police Division, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, had evacuated the casualties to a hospital, where the injured were receiving treatment.

READ ALSO: Suspected Herdsmen Kill Two Farmers In Edo Community

“The joint operation is sustained as the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored. However, an investigation into the cause of the clash has commenced.

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“The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Otimenyin, has vowed that no stone would be left unturned to unravel the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate and avoidable incident,” he said.

Nevertheless, a visit to the scene suggested more severe casualties, as a mass exodus of displaced persons was observed carrying their belongings in search of safer areas.

Fleeing residents

Many homes were reduced to ashes, and the once-thriving farming communities now resembled ghost towns.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horror, describing how the attackers stormed the settlements, fired indiscriminately, torched homes, and destroyed property.

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Igbala Obazuaye, head of the Marindoti community, said they had been farming in the area for decades.

However, trouble began in 1998 when some youths started demanding royalties from them.

READ ALSO: Farmers, Alleged Produce Thieves’ Clash Left Many Dead In Edo Community

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Albeit paying these levies; ranging from ₦5 million to ₦27 million annually, he said the youths continued to encroach on their farms, steal crops, and even kidnap his people.

Obazuaye, who sustained bullet wounds in the attack, said the assailants invaded the community around 8 a.m., killing seven people in his settlement alone.

According to him, the attackers also burnt cocoa, kola nut, and other cash crops worth more than ₦20 million.

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He appealed for military protection, the establishment of a local police station, and assistance in rebuilding their community.

Similarly, Nafisat Abdulazeez, a resident of Dipe community, described the experience as traumatic and called for immediate intervention from Governor Monday Okpebholo.

According to Abdulazeez, no fewer than 15 people were killed in her community, while several others were injured or remain missing.

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They came into our community, shooting and burning houses. They killed 15 people, and many more were injured. They even burnt my house, and my family was forced to flee,” she said.

Fleeing residents

Joseph Otu, a hunter in Marindoti, refuted the police’s claim that the attack was communal, insisting that it was an unprovoked assault by militants seeking to extort and terrorise peaceful farmers.

Otu also urged the authorities to deploy security forces to safeguard the area, stressing that these farming communities contribute greatly to the state’s economy through the cultivation of crops like cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains.

Likewise, Usman Mukaila, another resident of Dipe community, commended the swift deployment of soldiers from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army under Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo.

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However, he called for the establishment of a permanent military base in the area.

READ ALSO: Edo Police Give Update On Farmers, Alleged Produce Thieves Clash, As Causalities Increase

We commend the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, for the immediate intervention and deployment of soldiers.

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“That has helped to calm the situation for now. If not for him, the rest of the people would have gone. We also thank the governor.

“We, however, urge him to establish a permanent Army base here. We are crying; we really need his help. You can see all our women and children leaving,” he said.

Surprisingly, just three days after the Ovia attacks, two farmers were killed in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, allegedly by suspected herdsmen.

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The victims, identified as Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, were reportedly attacked on their way to the farm on Feb. 24.

Confirming the incident, CSP Yamu stated that the attack was reported by the Chief of Okpekpe at about 9 a.m.

“The command received a report today at about 0900hrs from the Chief of Okpekpe that two of his subjects were attacked and killed on their farms by suspected herdsmen.

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“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and mobile police officers deployed in Uzanu arrived at the scene and found their lifeless bodies,” Yamu said.

In response to the killings, Yamu stated that the police had reviewed security arrangements in the area to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

Security arrangements in the area have been reviewed to go after the criminals and forestall a recurrence,” he added.

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The latest attack has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the state, particularly in farming settlements, where farmers have suffered repeated assaults.

For instance, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo expressed disappointment over the killings.

Burnt vehicle

READ ALSO: Edo Communal Clash Escalates, 22 Feared Killed, Seven Communities Attacked

In a statement, Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the party’s Caretaker Committee in the state, challenged the governor to take urgent and decisive steps to curb the situation before it spirals out of control.

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Expectedly, the recurring nature of these attacks calls for enhanced security measures, including the establishment of a permanent military base in Marindoti and a general strengthening of the state’s security apparatus.

For example, residents argue that the closest police station, located in Igbobazuwa, is approximately a four-hour journey from Marindoti, making timely intervention during emergencies nearly impossible.

Community leaders have also highlighted the economic impact of insecurity.

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The disruption of farming activities threatens food security not only within Edo, but also in other regions that rely on produce from these communities.

Although Gov. Monday Okpebholo has condemned the killings and ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas, security analysts argue that this measure alone may not be sufficient.

Instead, they advocate for the establishment of a military base in Marindoti, which they believe would deter potential attackers and enable a swift response to future incidents.

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Additionally, stakeholders emphasise that improved infrastructure, such as accessible roads and reliable communication networks would enhance coordination between local communities and security agencies.

They stress that addressing Edo’s security challenges requires a multifaceted approach.

Overall, many emphasise that the state government must not neglect its responsibility to safeguard lives and property, regardless of residents’ ethnicity, gender, or economic status. (NANFeatures)

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Igbineweka Elected As Benin GSM Village Chairman, Promises Transparency

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Mr. Odion Jerry Igbineweka has been elected as the Chairman of the Great GSM Association, Benin City.

Mr. Igbineweka polled a total of 103 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr. Lucky Deji who polled 55 votes, thus, he (Igbineweka) was consequently declared the winner.

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Others who emerged winners at the poll are: Gabriel Chidi, Secretary General; Endurance Itoya, Treasurer (unopposed); Francis Agbonifo, Financial Secretary (unopposed); Amadin David, Public Relations Officer, and Osemwengie Efosa, Provost, respectively.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman promised to run a transparent and accountable leadership during his tenure in office.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Jubilation As Ojiezele Emerges Chairman Of Great GSM Association Benin

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The chairman also promised to run an open door policy and be accountable to the members of the association.

The chairman who was flanked with other members of his executive, reiterated that the welfare of every member will be his concern just as he called on the aggrieved individuals in the association to play by the rules governing the body for the peace and progress of the GSM Village.

He urged those who could not meet up with the standard set up by the association to contest for any positions this period, should try and regularize, pointing out that more years are still ahead of them to contest and lead the association.

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Igbineweka commended Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa for providing an enabling environment for those who operate at the GSM Village to carry out their day-to-day business activities.

He said there was no way businesses could have thrived when the lives and property of those doing businesses at the Village are not safe,

READ ALSO: Demolition: Lagos Publishes Report On Banana Island’s Illegal Buildings

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He added that they will always be grateful to him and will always contribute their quota to the growth and development of the state by paying their taxes regularly for the government to carry on his ongoing developmental that have cut across the length and breadth of the state.

Lauding the sterling leadership quality of the newly sworn-in chairman, Mr. Lucky Deji, the immediate past vice chairman of the association, said Mr. Igbineweka has the leadership acumen to turn things around in the GSM Village.

He said Igbineweka is a trustworthy man that they can entrust their money with adding that, they will do all in their power to rally round him and make him succeed as the chairman of the GSM Village.

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Commending the process of the election, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Stanley Nweke Dede, said that the election was free, fair and credible.

He appealed to the chairman to be magnanimous in victory noting that he is called to serve the association and not to lord over them.

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Tributes Pour In For Late Highlife Icon, Mike Ejeagha

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Tributes have continued to pour in for late veteran Nigerian highlife musician and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who passed away at the age of 95.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artiste died around 8 p.m. on Friday following a prolonged illness.

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Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.

His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).

Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video.

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READ ALSO:Mike Ejeagha, Legendary Singer Of ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’, Is Dead

This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to ever chart.

His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release.

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Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.

“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth,” he said.

He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.

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READ ALSO: My Wedding Suit, Apartment Paid For By Others – Mike Bamiloye Recalls Humble Marital Beginnings

For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.

“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, on X, also expressed deep sorrow: “Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.

“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.

The governor pledged the state’s commitment to immortalising Ejeagha’s memory, assuring the family of full support.

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READ ALSO: BREAKING: Keep Scoring, I’ll Shut Up, Mikel Obi Replies Jackson

On behalf of the Enugu State Government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our support.

“As a government, we will ensure that his memory is duly immortalised. Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love and the fortitude to bear the loss.”

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On social media, sentiments were equally heartfelt. Cultural commentator, Anafulogo, remarked: “We Igbo people lost a special one in Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.

“Do you know how level-headed a man will be for ‘Gentleman’ to be a part of his identity?”

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.

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Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”

Brain jotter, whose viral video reintroduced Ejeagha to a new generation, wrote: “39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests but his melody lives forever. Rest on, legend.”

(NAN)

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VIDEO: Darey Art Alade, Wife Escape As Car Catches Fire On Third Mainland Bridge

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Popular Nigerian musician, Darey Art Alade, and his wife, Deola, have thanked God and well-wishers after narrowly escaping a car fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

Sharing videos from the scene on Instagram on Saturday, Deola revealed that the incident occurred around 4pm on Friday when their vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed.

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Yesterday, around 4pm, our car caught fire on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and burnt to the ground.

“It was a shocking and painful experience, but we’re incredibly grateful that the driver made it out safely. No lives were lost, and that’s what truly matters,” she wrote.

In her post, Deola emphasised the importance of life over material possessions saying, “Moments like this remind us how quickly things can change and how unimportant material things become in the face of life itself.”

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READ ALSO: Rihanna Reveals Third Pregnancy On Met Gala Night

She also noted that the reason for sharing their experience was to encourage others going through sudden loss.

Deola wrote, “We’re not sharing this for sympathy but to remind someone that things can be replaced. Lives cannot. We’re choosing to remain thankful to God for protection, for perspective, and for the quiet strength to keep going.

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“If you’re navigating a sudden loss of any kind, we hope this reminds you: we can rebuild. We can begin again and find the strength to keep going. One breath, one prayer, one step at a time. We give thanks in all things. Thank you to everyone that stopped to help.”

Fans and celebrities have taken to the couple’s post to offer prayers and wishes.

Watch videos below:

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https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1931342681902391377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1931342681902391377%7Ctwgr%5Eabdd1e4af12dc196dbf7b8cf7d129a9017a6502e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpunchng.com%2Fvideo-darey-art-alade-wife-escape-as-car-catches-fire-on-third-mainland-bridge%2F

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