The Nigerian Army has warned leaders and residents of Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Edo over alleged persistent encroachment on military land surrounding the Ekehuan Barracks in Benin.

The warning is contained in a statement released on Saturday in Benin by Capt. Chinonso Oteh, public relations officer of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

Mr Oteh said that the army was considering decisive actions, including the demolition of illegal structures erected on military land.

He expressed concern that in spite of previous efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully, community leaders had continued to flout agreements.

According to him, the encroachment, allegedly led by the community heads, violates an earlier out-of-court settlement, which was reached after the communities initiated legal action against the army.

“The Nigerian Army, in the spirit of goodwill and civil-military cooperation, agreed to an out-of-court settlement after the communities’ claims were found to lack legal merit.

“This was done to promote peaceful conflict resolution,” Mr Oteh said.

“Regrettably, instead of honouring the terms of the settlement, community leaders have continued to sell portions of the Nigerian Army’s land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private individuals.”

Mr Oteh added that some of these illegal developments were located in restricted zones, including areas designated for live firing exercises, posing serious safety risks to the public.

He warned that continued illegal activities could lead to the complete takeover of Ekehuan Barracks land by land grabbers, led by the Enogie (Duke).

The army also accused the community leaders of forging official documents, falsely claiming that the Nigerian army had relinquished ownership of the disputed land.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army land at Ekehuan was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966, and a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 11751) was issued on April 26, 1994, under the laws of Edo State,” Mr Oteh clarified.

He reiterated that the 4 Brigade remained committed to maintaining peace and security in the state, and would not be swayed by acts of blackmail or misinformation by individuals seeking personal gain.

(NAN)