Edo community denies attacking migrant farming communities

The people of Gbolomotin community in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State has absolved themselves of the killings of migrant farmers in the area Recall that several persons were killed in the agrarian communities following clash between the migrant farmers and the people of Gbolomitin. The community in a statement by Karaem […]

The people of Gbolomotin community in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State has absolved themselves of the killings of migrant farmers in the area

Recall that several persons were killed in the agrarian communities following clash between the migrant farmers and the people of Gbolomitin.

The community in a statement by Karaem Ebimobobowei and made available to journalists, , said they were not the aggressor as portray by the migrants cocoa farmer

“Many years ago, the migrant farmers encroached on their lands to plant cocoa and that as a way settlement, agreed to pay a token to them for planting their cash crops.

He alleged that over time, the cocoa farmers formed the habit of attacking their youths through a vigilante group they set up and allegedly claim that they have the backing of people in the government”.

He alleged that the Yoruba farmers began expanding beyond the original areas they were allowed to plant, thereby encroaching on the uncultivated lands reserved for Ijaw communities

According to him tension grew in the area when the Yoruba farmers started accusing the Ijaw farmers of stealing their cocoa, an allegation he said was unfounded.

“They went further to prevent indigenes of Gbelemotin from passing through the roads and footpaths leading to other Ijaw communities and allegedly label all Ijaw thieves.”

On the recent killings, Ebimobobowei explained that some Ijaw youths went to rescue their people when they heard they were attacked, and in the process, they were also ambushed by the cocoa farmers and their vigilante.

He said: “It is necessary to point out that this same Igbala is fond of using his powers as a vigilante to harass both women and youth as they move daily on the earth roads.”

He, however, called on the state government and secure agencies to do a thorough investigation on the matter, as they are not the aggressor.