The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to leaders and residents of Oghede and Iyanomo communities in Edo State to steer clear of their land and other properties surrounding the Ekehuan Barracks in Benin City.

The army had alleged repeated encroachment on military property surrounding the Ekehuan Barracks in Benin City.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Public Relations Officer of 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

According to Oteh, the military is considering taking firm action, including the removal of unauthorised structures erected on Army’s land. He noted that despite several attempts to resolve the matter amicably, local leaders have continued to disregard previously agreed terms.

The Army said the ongoing encroachment contravenes an earlier out-of-court agreement reached after the communities filed a legal case against the military, one which was dismissed for lack of legal standing.

“The Nigerian Army, in the spirit of goodwill and civil-military cooperation, agreed to an out-of-court settlement after the communities’ claims were found to lack legal merit.

“This was done to promote peaceful conflict resolution,” Oteh said.

“Regrettably, instead of honouring the terms of the settlement, community leaders have continued to sell portions of the Nigerian Army’s land to hoteliers, estate developers, and private individuals.”

The Army noted that several of these developments are situated within areas classified as operational zones, including locations designated for live-fire drills, thereby posing significant safety hazards.

Oteh warned that if the activities persist, land grabbers may attempt to take over the entire Ekehuan Barracks property, allegedly with the backing of the local traditional head (Enogie).

He also alleged that certain individuals had forged official documents in a bid to falsely claim that ownership of the disputed land had been relinquished by the Army.

“To be clear, the land in question was lawfully acquired and demarcated in 1966, and a Certificate of Occupancy (No. 11751) was issued to the Nigerian Army on April 26, 1994, in accordance with Edo State land laws,” Oteh clarified.

He stressed the 4 Brigade’s commitment to upholding peace and order in the region, stating that it would not succumb to intimidation or misinformation aimed at undermining military authority.