FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Cocoa farmers in Marindoti Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have reiterated their call on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently deploy soldiers to their camps.
The call followed a deadly attack on seven communities in the area which reportedly claimed 27 lives and left 34 others seriously injured.
In a heartfelt appeal submitted through their legal representatives, Osagie Obayuwana & Co., the Principal Counsel/Head of Chambers, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, lauded the governor for fulfilling his promise of support through a donation N20 million and a trailer load of rice.
“The leadership and entire members of the community recall with profound gratitude, the words of consolation and encouragement shared by Your Excellency during your visit.
“They looked with hope to your promise to bring succour in their hours of grief, which you have now wonderfully fulfilled,” Obayuwana said in the letter.
According to him, there have been reports of waves of brutal violence which swept through Marindoti Community on February 22, covering Eto, Dele, Dikpe, Taiye Osikolobi, Ajagba, and Ogwilaba Camps in Iguobazuwa Forest Reserve.
The attack reportedly perpetrated by some Ijaw militants, left devastation in its wake.
Survivors have since lived in fear of recurrence, prompting the renewed call for enhanced security.
According to the legal representative, Governor Okpebholo had promised to strengthen the area’s security by stationing a detachment of soldiers to deter future attacks.
He noted that the community, in turn, pledged to provide housing for the military personnel.
He said the community had since upgraded a block of the abandoned primary school to accommodate the troops.
“A borehole has been sunk, mattresses and fans have been provided, toilet and kitchen facilities upgraded and a generator installed for electricity.These provisions can conveniently house at least 30 soldiers,” he said.
With their part of the bargain fulfilled, he said the farmers were now appealing to the governor to deploy the promised military personnel.
“This is to say, Sir, that they are now ready and counting on you to graciously conclude the arrangement of dispatching the armed soldiers to their community,” Obayuwana stated in the letter, emphasising their urgent desire to prevent further violence.
Beyond the material aid, he said the farmers, however, commended the governor for his inclusive leadership and reassuring words of unity during his visit.
“Our clients wish to place on record the great words of counselling and express their resolve to continually have you in their prayers,” the senior lawyer said.
