Residents of Iyanomon Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the state government to urgently intervene in a protracted communal crisis that has displaced families, destroyed homes and businesses, and disrupted livelihoods.
The appeal came as residents, led mainly by women, staged a peaceful protest, calling on the government 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 protesters, Mrs. Aiwekhoe Omon lamented the continued suffering of residents, saying the community remains gripped by fear due to recurring gunfire and explosions, even though no deaths were recorded during the latest outbreak of violence.
“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.
According to her, the dispute, which is currently before both the palace and the court, has heightened tensions in the community, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
Another protester, Mrs. Gift Ewen, described the worsening security situation, alleging that the prolonged crisis has created opportunities for criminal activities, including kidnapping. She revealed that she has lived away from her home for more than a year because of 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 also recounted her personal losses, saying two of her shops were set ablaze during the crisis, wiping out 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 further alleged that abandoned properties in the community had been vandalised, with houses looted and doors, roofing materials, fittings, and other valuables removed by unknown persons.
They urged the Edo State Government and other relevant stakeholders to treat the situation as a matter of urgency by restoring security, facilitating reconciliation among the parties, 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 said.
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, sympathised with the victims and acknowledged the hardship they have endured.
He urged the protesters to remain peaceful and advised them to formally notify the appropriate authorities to facilitate prompt government intervention.
The residents reiterated their appeal for immediate action, warning that continued inaction could further worsen the already fragile security and humanitarian situation in the community.
