Residents of Ijaw communities in Gelegele, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, are now living in fear over the heavy presence of military operatives in the area.
It was gathered that the military men were from 19 Battalion, Koko and 4 Brigade, Benin.
Spokesperson for the community, Chief Macaulay Ayiwei, who raised the alarm on Friday while speaking with journalists in Benin, the state capital, said they woke up to see over 50 soldiers strategically positioned around the Ijaw communities.
Ayiwei alleged that the heavy presence of the military men may not be unconnected with the land dispute between the Ijaw and Benin people of Ughoton and Gelegele communities.
He further alleged that the crisis had degenerated into an issue between the Ijaw community and the Benin Palace and strained the relationship between the two groups.
Ayiwei, who said the disputed land was currently before the State High Court, wondered why the military would take over the whole Ijaw community of Gelegele.
He said, “The court is billed to sit on this matter on Monday and Tuesday but what are they (security operatives) doing here, taking over the whole community?
“If there is no sinister motive behind this, why will a large number of military men from Delta and Edo states, armed with gunboats, take over a whole community as early as 6:00am on Friday?
“While we have them around the community, about five truckloads of soldiers are stationed at Ekenwan Barracks.
“The whole Gelegele community is in confusion as to what is happening. We are also not unaware that their presence has something to do with the dispute between the Ijaw community and the Benin.
“While we appeal to our people to remain calm, we are also calling on the President to caution the army, especially the 4 Brigade Commandant, who is a Benin man, not to plunge the state into crisis.”
Spokesperson for the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, described the presence of the soldiers as “a normal routine exercise.”
He urged the people to go about their normal businesses, adding that there was no cause for alarm.
