The Enogie of Ukhiri community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State,HRH Godwin Osayande Aigbe has been accused by the indigenes of allegedly being responsible for the series of killings , illegal possession of firearm and the intimidation of the people from the area
The Community, In petition signed by Matthew Obasogie and Efosa Osifo, President and Secretary of Ukhiri in Diaspora with support from the Odiowere designate, Pa. Samuel Ugiagbe and the four El (edionene) of the Community which was initially forwarded to the Edo State Police Commissioner and the Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, was later re-forwarded to the Inspector General of Police who ordered an immediate investigation.
The IGP’s office was brought in, due to the lackadaisical attitude of the mentioned Police formations in Edo State who were accused of doing the Enogie’s bidding.
According to the petitioners, “the Enogie who is a retired police officer, is said to still be in possession of official riffles which ought to have been submitted long after retirement.
The riffles in question were said to be used in harassing the members of the Community including bringing in strange elements to the community to assist him in harassing and killing of innocent citizens of the Community.
The people complained that the Enogie has refused to allow the recognized Odionwere to assume his rightful p position, thus leaving the community without an Odionwere for 14 years.
The Petitioners further claimed that the criminal elements not only parade the community with impunity, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, they have also killed many and on a certain occasion killed five persons.
Acting on their petitions, the IGP team stormed the community and was able to arrest some of the strange persons who at the time of arrest were in possession of seven pump action guns and cutlass.
One Felix Osahon who served as a pointer to the IGP team to the community was assaulted and maimed but was rushed to the hospital by the team where he was hospitalised at the Edo Specialist Hospital for two weeks.
Prior to the recent invasion, an attempt to make peace was made by well meaning indigenes of Edo State through a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) but was breached by the Enogie.
A further step to make peace with the instituted court action at the Edo State Multi-Door Court House was also stalled by the Enogie who declined appearance after one appearance.
“We are worried that Enogie is breeding militia, who apart from being a threat to those at home, those in diaspora have been warned not to visit home at the risk of their lives” they said.
Among those being used to terrorise the community members are Dennis Erabor , aka Denco, Wilson Okoro, aka Sadam, Endurance Osagiobare, aka Eddy Bongo amongst others
Both old and young have abandoned the community for fear of being killed by these militias imported by the Enogie.
Responding the Enogie denied the allegations claiming it was concocted by his opponent. “I have always ensured that peace reign in my community,” the Enogie said.
