Residents of Obagie-Nevbuosa, a community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki to intervene in an imminent showdown with neighbouring Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area over alleged invasion of Obagie-Nevbuosa as a result of a boundary dispute.
They lamented that the alleged action of Amagba has caused tension and anxiety between them which they said could lead to breach of peace in the area if not checked.
In a petition to the state government marked GEO/VOL.VI/L.06/2023 and dated June 2, 2023 which was made available to Popular News, counsel to Obagie-Nevbuosa, G. E. Oaikhena Esq, said that the issue of the dispute between the two communities is currently pending in the state high court.
He said that the court in Suit No. B/1116/2021 had held that parties to the suit should maintain the status quo while the case is pending in court, and wondered why the neighbouring Amagba decided to disobey the court decision.
Oaikhena claimed that the alleged invasion of Obagie-Nevbosa was the second after Okoroma, a camp settlement belonging to his client, was invaded in 2012 despite the intervention of the Oba of Benin.
He said: “That in 2021, the people of Amagba invaded Obagie-Nevbuosa village and the Odionwere (Village Head) and elders took Amagba people to High Court, Benin City; Suit No B/1116/2021 which was assigned to High Court 12.
“That the court held that the parties should maintain the status quo while the case is pending in the court.
“On the May 28th, 2023, the people of Amagba Community went to plant a signboard in Okoroma Camp in Obagie-Nevbuosa Village, proclaiming the place as Amagba across Oroma River which is the natural boundary betweenl Amagba and Obagie-Nevbuosa in two different local government area.
“That the action of the people of Amagba have now 0caused tension and anxiety on Obagie-Nevbuosa Village which is likely to cause a breach of peace in the two communities.
“In the premise of the above analysis, we are appealing to the Governor of Edo State as the Chief Security Officer of the state to intervene in this ugly action of Amagba in order to prevent anarchy in the communities.”
Impasse: Community appeals for Obaseki’s intervention
