Amahor Community in Edo Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Occupation of Forest Reserve by Non-Indigenes, Accuses Palace and State Government of Inaction as Tension Threatens Violence
Residents of Amahor community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the illegal occupation of their forest reserve by non-indigenes, warning that the situation could degenerate into violence if the government fails to intervene urgently.
According to a statement by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes, outsiders allegedly settled deep inside the community’s forest without consent or due process, engaging in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation, and other agricultural activities. The community claims the land was unlawfully leased, triggering anger and fear of long-term loss of ancestral land.
Tensions reportedly worsened after an unauthorised access road was constructed into the forest reserve, heightening security concerns. The dispute has also created a rift between residents and the traditional ruler, HRH Zaiki Enadeghe Ehijie, whom indigenes accuse of allocating communal land without consultation, documentation, boundaries, or time limits. Oluokhae alleged the monarch admitted to receiving ₦4.5 million in connection with the allocation.
Amahor residents said they have submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Government, and security authorities, but claim investigations have stalled despite initial acknowledgment by the governor’s security adviser. They also cited state forestry regulations, noting that perennial crops are prohibited in government forest reserves, a position reportedly confirmed by the Area Forest Officer.
The community fears that continued government inaction and what they describe as attempts to legitimise the occupation through repeated mediation meetings could lead to unrest. Residents have appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the law, evict the alleged illegal occupants, and prevent a breakdown of law and order. As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the palace had issued an official response.
Residents of Amahor community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the illegal occupation of their forest reserve by non-indigenes, warning that the situation could degenerate into violence if the government fails to intervene urgently.
According to a statement by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes, outsiders allegedly settled deep inside the community’s forest without consent or due process, engaging in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation, and other agricultural activities. The community claims the land was unlawfully leased, triggering anger and fear of long-term loss of ancestral land.
Tensions reportedly worsened after an unauthorised access road was constructed into the forest reserve, heightening security concerns. The dispute has also created a rift between residents and the traditional ruler, HRH Zaiki Enadeghe Ehijie, whom indigenes accuse of allocating communal land without consultation, documentation, boundaries, or time limits. Oluokhae alleged the monarch admitted to receiving ₦4.5 million in connection with the allocation.
Amahor residents said they have submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Government, and security authorities, but claim investigations have stalled despite initial acknowledgment by the governor’s security adviser. They also cited state forestry regulations, noting that perennial crops are prohibited in government forest reserves, a position reportedly confirmed by the Area Forest Officer.
The community fears that continued government inaction and what they describe as attempts to legitimise the occupation through repeated mediation meetings could lead to unrest. Residents have appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the law, evict the alleged illegal occupants, and prevent a breakdown of law and order. As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the palace had issued an official response.
Amahor Community in Edo Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Occupation of Forest Reserve by Non-Indigenes, Accuses Palace and State Government of Inaction as Tension Threatens Violence
Residents of Amahor community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the illegal occupation of their forest reserve by non-indigenes, warning that the situation could degenerate into violence if the government fails to intervene urgently.
According to a statement by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes, outsiders allegedly settled deep inside the community’s forest without consent or due process, engaging in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation, and other agricultural activities. The community claims the land was unlawfully leased, triggering anger and fear of long-term loss of ancestral land.
Tensions reportedly worsened after an unauthorised access road was constructed into the forest reserve, heightening security concerns. The dispute has also created a rift between residents and the traditional ruler, HRH Zaiki Enadeghe Ehijie, whom indigenes accuse of allocating communal land without consultation, documentation, boundaries, or time limits. Oluokhae alleged the monarch admitted to receiving ₦4.5 million in connection with the allocation.
Amahor residents said they have submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Government, and security authorities, but claim investigations have stalled despite initial acknowledgment by the governor’s security adviser. They also cited state forestry regulations, noting that perennial crops are prohibited in government forest reserves, a position reportedly confirmed by the Area Forest Officer.
The community fears that continued government inaction and what they describe as attempts to legitimise the occupation through repeated mediation meetings could lead to unrest. Residents have appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the law, evict the alleged illegal occupants, and prevent a breakdown of law and order. As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the palace had issued an official response.
0 Yorumlar
·0 hisse senetleri
·332 Views
