…4 Brigade Warns Communities, Threatens Demolition of Illegal Structures
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Headquarters 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has issued a firm warning to land grabbers and encroachers, particularly from Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, to stay off military land or face decisive action.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the Brigade condemned the actions of some community leaders—especially the Enogie (Traditional Ruler), His Royal Highness King Osazebare Aghahowa—for allegedly encouraging the illegal occupation and sale of Nigerian Army land around the Ekehuan Barracks.
“The activities of these individuals are not only illegal but also undermine the peace process initiated to resolve this lingering issue through dialogue,” said Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 4 Brigade.
Despite extending an olive branch through peaceful engagement, the Army said the communities took the matter to court. After the legal challenge failed, both sides agreed to an out-of-court settlement.
“Rather than respect the resolution to maintain the status quo, community leaders have resumed the illegal sale of military land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private individuals,” Oteh revealed.
The Army says it now has no choice but to consider “demolishing all illegal structures” built within the military cantonment, some of which are reportedly located in live firing zones, posing serious risks to public safety.
“If these unlawful activities are not halted, there’s a real danger that the Enogie and his group could unlawfully seize the entire barracks land for selfish interests,” the statement warned.
The Brigade also accused the Enogie of forgery, alleging he produced a falsified Nigerian Army document claiming the land had been relinquished to the community.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army land at Ekehuan was lawfully acquired and surveyed in 1966, and officially documented with Certificate of Occupancy No. 11751, issued on 26 April 1994,” the statement clarified.
Reaffirming its stance, the Army stressed that it remains committed to its constitutional duty of safeguarding national assets and ensuring public safety.
“We will not be deterred by acts of blackmail or misinformation spread by individuals with selfish interests,” Oteh declared.
The Brigade’s message is unequivocal: encroachment on military property will no longer be tolerated.