Residents of Iyanomo village in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, have raised the alarm over what they describe as military occupation of their ancestral land. They say Nigerian soldiers have been demolishing houses, blocking roads with trenches, and handing parts of the land to herders whose cattle now destroy local farmlands.
The community claims the military repeatedly storms the area without notice, tearing down buildings and leaving families displaced. Pa Agbonavbare Ohiengbomwan, a senior elder, and Iyayi Eboigbe, the youth leader, told reporters that villagers no longer feel safe or welcome in their own homes. They insist the land has belonged to their ancestors for generations.
According to them, soldiers say the land was gifted to the military by a past Oba of Benin. But the people argue that no such agreement was made with the current generation, and accuse the army of acting with total disregard for their rights.
On June 23, 2025, the villagers held a peaceful protest. They marched to Government House, the Edo State House of Assembly, and the Palace of the Oba of Benin. Palace chiefs received them and promised to forward their complaints to the monarch, Oba Ewuare II.
In response, the Nigerian Army issued a warning through its 4 Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, directing the people of Iyanomo and neighbouring Oghede to vacate the land. The army claims it officially acquired the property in 1966, with a Certificate of Occupancy granted in 1994.
In a statement released from Abuja, the military accused local leaders—especially the Enogie of the area, Osazebare Aghahowa—of selling army land to private developers. It said some structures were dangerously close to zones used for live ammunition drills.
The army made it clear that any continued encroachment would lead to demolition of all unauthorized buildings and full enforcement of its land rights. While the people call for urgent protection, the military maintains it is acting within legal boundaries and dismissed the allegations as blackmail and misinformation.
