Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
In fulfilment of his promise to the people of the seven farming communities in Ovia South-West local Government Area attacked the suspected Ijaw militias, the Edo State Government has donated 3,000 bags of rice and N20milllion to the affected families.
The attacked which happened on
Friday, February 21, 2025, left about 22 persons dead, several sustained various degrees of injuries while houses and other valuable properties belonging to the farmers and worth several million of Naira were destroyed.
The affected communities allegedly attacked by the suspected Ijaw militants are Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe, Bala Dele, and Thousand.
The communities were predominantly inhabited by farmers from various ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin.
Presenting the relief materials and financial assistance to the people of the communities, Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promises made to the affected communities during his visit to assess the level of damage.
Represented by Hon. Jerry Idahosa, the Executive Secretary of Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Okpebholo, reassured the residents of his administration’s unwavering commitments to grassroots development and sustainable peace.
He said the financial assistance of N20 million to the affected families was to support the rebuilding of destroyed buildings and community infrastructures.
He said the promises the governor made to the affected communities are financial assistance, provision of relief materials, and the establishment of a security post to the people of Maidoti and Gbelebu.
He also added that apart from the financial assistance, a total of 3,000 bags of rice and other essential food items were dontaed to the communities.
“This is governance in its truest and most humane form. We are not just handing out food.
“We are reinforcing your strength and your right to a government that cares. Financial support was immediately sent to the affected families to help begin the rebuilding of homes and restoration of properties destroyed.
“This was not a token gesture. It was a commitment backed by action.”
“The donations reflected the synergy between the State and the federal governments under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The federal government has prioritised grassroots engagement and inclusive recovery.
“My administration is proud to complement that agenda through direct interventions such as witnessed in the affected communities,” added.
He, however, said that the governor pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard the renewed peace and foster lasting development in the area.
In their separate remarks, the Chief Security Officer of Maidoti’s Local Vigilante group, Mr. Igbala Ibazuaye and High Chief Enoch Soluboh, the Amanowei of Gbelebu Community, commended the Edo State Governor for fulfilling his promises.
The duo noted that at first, they were skeptical due to past incidents of disappointment.
