By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A section of Ukhiri community in Ikpoba okha Local Government Area of Edo has accused the Enogie of the community, HRH
Godwin Osayande Aigbe of allegedly being responsible for the series of killings, intimidation of citizens and illegal possession of firearms in the community.
The community, In petition signed by Matthew Obasogie and Efosa Osifo, President and Secretary of Ukhiri in Diaspora with support from the Odiowere destignate, Pa Samuel Ugiagbe and the four Elders of the community which was initially forward to the Edo State Police Command and the Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, was later re-forwarded to the Inspector General of Police who ordered an immediate investigation.
The IGP’s office was brought in, due to the lackadaisical attitude of the mentioned Police formations in Edo State who were accused of doing the Enogie’s bidding.
According to the petitioner, “the Enogie who is a retired police officer, is said to still be in possession of official riffles which ought to have been submitted long after retirement.
The riffles in question were said to be used in harassing the members of the community including bringing in strange elements to the community to assist him in harassing and killing of innocent citizens.of the community.
The community complained that the Enogie has refused to allow for the recognized odionwere to assume his position, thus leaving the community without an odionwere for 14years.
The Petitioners further claimed that the criminal elements not only parade the community with impunity armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, they have also killed many and on a certain occasion killed five persons.
Luckily, acting on their petitions, the IGP team stormed the community and was able to arrest some of the strange elements who in the time of arrest were in possession of seven pump action guns and cutlass.
One Felix osahon who served as a pointer to the IGP team to the community was assaulted and maimed but was rushed to the hospital by the team where he was hospitalised at the Edo Specialist Hospital for two weeks.
Prior to the recent invasion, an attempt to make peace was made by well meaning indigenes of Edo State through a memorandum of understanding but was breached by the Enogie.
A further step to make peace with the instituted court action at the Edo State Multi door Court House was also stalled by the Enogie who declined appearance after one appearance.
“we are worried that Enogie is breading militia, who apart from being a threat to those at home, those in diaspora have been warned not to visit home at the risk of their life’s.” they said.
Among those being used to terrorise the community members are Dennis Erabor , aka Denco, Wilson Okoro, aka Sadam, Endurance Osagiobare ,aka Eddy Bongo ,just to mention few.
Both old and young have abandoned the community for fear of being killed by these militias imported by the Enogie.
In a reaction, the Enogie denied the allegations claiming it was concocted by his opponent. I ensure that peace reign in my community