Displaced Edo Community Residents Protest, Seek Urgent Government Intervention Over Lingering Crisis

Residents of Iyanomon Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have staged a peaceful protest, calling on the government to urgently intervene in a protracted communal crisis that has displaced many families and devastated livelihoods.

The protesters, comprising mainly women and affected residents, appealed to authorities to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties and broker a lasting resolution to the conflict, which has persisted despite ongoing traditional and legal efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Mrs. Aiwekhoe Omon lamented the continued suffering of residents, noting that although no fatalities were recorded in the most recent outbreak of violence, the community remains gripped by fear due to recurring gunfire and explosions.

“We want peace. Let the government bring the two parties together and resolve this issue once and for all. We are the ones bearing the brunt of this crisis,” she said.

Mrs. Omon added that the dispute, currently before both the palace and the court, continues to heighten tensions, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

Another protester, Mrs. Gift Ewen, decried the worsening insecurity in the area, alleging that the crisis has created opportunities for criminal activities, including kidnapping. She disclosed that she has lived away from her home for over a year due to the unrest.

“I have been living as a tenant for the past one year because there is no peace in my community. We had no choice but to leave our homes,” she said.

Mrs. Ewen further recounted her personal losses, stating that two of her shops were set ablaze during the conflict, destroying her primary source of income.

“They burned down my shops where I earned my daily bread. We have lost everything. If we return now, we will be starting from nothing,” she lamented.

The protesters also alleged widespread vandalism of abandoned properties, claiming that houses were looted, with doors, fittings, and other valuables removed by unknown individuals.

They urged the Edo State Government and relevant stakeholders to treat the situation as a matter of urgency by restoring security, facilitating reconciliation, and ensuring the safe return of displaced residents.

“We are not taking sides. All we want is peace. We want to return home and rebuild our lives,” another protester emphasized.

Responding on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, the Council’s Secretary, Mr. Andy Egbon, expressed sympathy for the victims and acknowledged the hardships they have endured.

He encouraged the protesters to remain peaceful in their conduct and advised them to formally notify appropriate authorities to enable swift government action.

The residents reiterated their call for immediate intervention, warning that continued inaction could further deteriorate the already fragile security and humanitarian situation in the community.