Peace Returns to Edo Community, as Senator Neda Imasuen Resolves Nigerian Army—Oghede Land Dispute

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By Correspondent

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has restored peace in Oghede Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area, where crisis erupted recently over allegation of encroachment on the Nigerian Army lands.

Worried by the development, Senator Imasuen yesterday Friday July 4, 2025, embarked on a fact finding mission which took him to the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin City and Oghede Community where he was conducted round the disputed parcels of land by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier Gen Ebenezer Olufemi Oduyebo.

The Brigade Commander showed Senator Imasuen and his team, the survey plans to demonstrate the extent of encroachment of their land, including the shooting range.

*Senator Imasuen, Brig-Gen Oduyebo, Enogie of Oghede, Gen Omoregie and others*

Brigadier Oduyebo explained to Senator Imasuen that “all peaceful approach in the past, to stop further developments by the community has failed, which led to the demolition of new buildings that were under construction.

Following the Brigade Commander’s complaint, Senator Imasuen reiterated the need to embrace peace, especially now that all hands are on deck to reduce insecurity in the state and Nigeria.

He reassured his host that everything will be done to stop any further encroaching on whatever land that was allocated for the military use by successive government and the community.

*Brig-Gen Oduyebo conducting Senator Neda Imasuen around the shooting range inside the alleged military lands in Oghede under torrential rain.*

The Commander thanked Senator Neda for his intervention and reassured him that the army will stop further demolition to pave way for negotiations and immediate restoration of peace between the institution and their host communities.

Thereafter, Brigadier General Oduyebo and Senator Neda along with his team, visited the vexed land under a torrential rain before visiting the palace of Enogie of Oghede where a large anxious crowd had gathered to receive Senator Imasuen and his peace-seeking team.

After listening to the Enogie, Senator Imasuen informed him and others that, his mission was to stop further demolition of existing buildings and that the military has agreed on a proposal that will permanently stop the unhealthy relationship in the community.

He stated that in consultation with Governor Monday Okpebholo, a fact finding team will resolve the intractable land crisis.

*Senator Neda listening to Enogie of Oghede* *in his palace*

“We are committed to ensuring this matter is resolved amicably. It is important for both the Army and the Oghede community to coexist peacefully,” he said.

Senator Imasuen added that no unilateral action would be taken without due consultation and that every party’s interest would be considered in the negotiations.

The Enogie pledged his support for the peace initiative and acceptance of the fact finding mission that Senator Imasuen had proposed.

Senator Neda Imasuen was accompanied by General Charles Omoregie, the ex Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta (JTF); Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, former Commissioner of Transport in Edo State and Hon. Andrew Uzamere, representing Ovia North East Constituency II in Edo State House of Assembly.