Community raises alarm over military presence

Gelegele, an Ijaw community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, has raised alarm over the presence of military personnel from the 19 Battalion, Koko and 4 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Benin. Speaking with journalists in Benin yesterday, the community’s spokesman, Chief Macaulay Ayiwei, said over 50 army personnel were strategically positioned […]

Gelegele, an Ijaw community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, has raised alarm over the presence of military personnel from the 19 Battalion, Koko and 4 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Benin.

Speaking with journalists in Benin yesterday, the community’s spokesman, Chief Macaulay Ayiwei, said over 50 army personnel were strategically positioned around the riverine community.

He alleged that the high presence of the military may not be unconnected with the land dispute between Ughoton and Gelegele communities.

According to him, the dispute is currently before the state High Court. He wondered why the military would take over the community.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Brigade, Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, said the presence of the army was a normal exercise and urged the people to go about their normal businesses.