Edo State, Nigeria — A troubling wave of violence has swept through Ovia South West Local Government Area in Edo State, with recent events marking a significant escalation in the conflict that has emerged as a dominant issue in the lead-up to the September 21 gubernatorial election. The violence includes the murder of three employees of Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC and a local community member, alongside a series of attacks against military personnel which have left several soldiers injured.
The sequence of violence began on May 6 with the murder of three Okomu Oil staff members while on duty. Initial speculations pointed towards community involvement; however, statements from Okomu Oil’s Public Relations officer Fidelis Olise dismissed these claims, attributing the violence to “unknown persons.” The company has reported a generally positive relationship with surrounding communities, reflecting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s actors.
In response to the killings, Edo’s State Commissioner of Police confirmed plans for increased security deployments and ongoing efforts to capture the responsible gunmen, believed to be from a neighboring state. Sadly, these measures did not prevent further attacks. On May 12, renewed violence resulted in the death of a local resident and widespread damage in the Marioghionoba Community.
During the June 7 attack, three soldiers were badly wounded and their gunboat severely damaged. This incident reflects a disturbing readiness to target military forces, reminiscent of a prior tragic event in the neighboring Delta State where 20 soldiers died in an ambush.
The perpetrators, asserting themselves as Ijaw Freedom Fighters, left a letter on the deceased’s body demanding company shares and board representation for their community. The group alleged historical injustices, including the appropriation of their ancestral lands without compensatory development or political representation.
The situation escalated with the attackers demanding the Bini people to evacuate the area, claiming the land was historically occupied by the Ijaw before the arrival of the Bini. This assertion underscores deep-rooted historical and ethnic tensions that complicate the crisis.
Locals, deeply affected by the ongoing violence, have appealed for more robust interventions from both the state and national government. They request urgent relief and permanent security solutions to thwart future incidents. This violence not only disrupts daily life but also exposes fundamental governance and security challenges in the region.
Amidst these tensions, the state government has taken an assertive stance against what it labels as criminal and cultist activities, with special measures to dismantle groups responsible for the unrest. The government through, Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, expressed determination to prioritize the safety of both civilians and military personnel.
The crisis has also drawn attention from national leaders including the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, who emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to resolve these conflicts. Professor Okaba argued that the grievances of the Ijaw people are rooted in historical marginalization and current administrative practices that limit their political and economic participation.
As the community braces for the upcoming gubernatorial elections, the escalating violence in Edo highlights urgent questions about resource control, ethnic discord, and regional security. It calls for a balanced approach that respects the rights and histories of all communities involved while ensuring the stability and safety of the state amidst these deeply rooted disputes.