Residents of Ogbeson Nevbuosa community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on what they describe as threat to life.
They made this call during a peaceful protest to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre in Benin City.
According to them, two members of their community identified as Best Ukposisi and Ike Ukposisi are after their lives as a result of being witnesses towards their oppressive and kleptomaniac attitude.
They alleged that these two people have sold almost all the land in the community and stole about #100 million naira from the pulse of Ogbesor’s community.
They further said that, they had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police on the matter and investigation is already ongoing but, the wives of the accused reached out to the police authority and justice is about to be thwarted.
“The reason why we are here today is that, we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President and well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid over the injustice that happened at the Ogbeson community.
“Ukposisi is after our lives, he wants to kill us. Himself and accomplice have stolen over one hundred million naira in Ogbeson community’s account, sold acres of land to unauthorised buyers. They are now after our lives to kill us. Just because we are key witnesses to what is happening in the community.
“We have gone to Abuja and investigation is ongoing and all of a sudden we heard that the wives of Best Ukposisi and Ike Ukposisi have contacted IGP Solomon Arase that their husband should be released. They are now on their way to Benin as we speak. We beg the presidency to come to our aid, to conclude the investigation and not cover-up or pervert justice.”
According to Pa. Samuel Igbinosun, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, the Ukposisi brothers, particularly Best Okposisi, have been causing trouble in the community for years. They have been accused of illegally selling land that belongs to the community, which has caused a lot of unrest among the locals.
To back up their claims, the protesters presented a clarification letter from the palace of the Oba of Benin. The letter confirms that Pa. Samuel Igbinosun is the rightful and approved Odionwere of Ogbeson N’ Evbuosa village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
This clarification is vital to the protesters’ cause as it supports their claim that the Ukposisi brothers have been conducting fraudulent activities in the community.
Addressing the protesters, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe assured them that issues raised will be thoroughly investigated to ensure balanced reportage.
He thanked them for toeing the line of peace during the protest: “Please, maintain peace because right now Edo State needs peace. As the 2024 election is coming, we pray nobody shall die especially in your village. Try as much as possible to stay away from anything that may lead to death.” He concluded.
When Uptown Press contacted one of the accused, Friday Okuwe on the telephone, his wife responded by saying her husband was not around for comment.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Edo Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Chidi Nwabuzor proved abortive, as all calls put to his phone where not answered.
