Gbolomotin, Edo State – The residents of Gbolomotin community in Ovia South–West Local Government Area of Edo State have raised alarm over the continuous victimization they have faced at the hands of migrant farmers. In a statement issued on Saturday, Karaem Ebimobobowei, a representative of the community, detailed the long-standing issues between the locals and the migrant Yoruba cocoa farmers.
According to Ebimobobowei, the tension began when the migrant farmers encroached on their lands to plant cocoa, with an agreement to pay a token for using the land. However, over time, the migrant farmers allegedly formed a vigilante group that began to harass local youths and expanded their farming activities beyond the initially agreed areas.
The situation escalated recently when the Yoruba farmers accused the Ijaw farmers of stealing their cocoa, leading to violent clashes. Ebimobobowei recounted an incident in which some Ijaw youths attempted to rescue their people who were under attack but were ambushed by the cocoa farmers and their vigilante group.
“The migrant farmers have formed a vigilante group that harasses our local youths and encroaches beyond the agreed areas. This has created serious tensions and conflicts within the community,” Ebimobobowei stated.
He further called on the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice for the victims. The community is seeking immediate intervention to restore peace and prevent further violence.
“We urge the government and security agencies to intervene and investigate these continuous acts of victimization. We deserve to live in peace without fear of harassment,” Ebimobobowei added.
The authorities are yet to comment on the matter, but the community hopes that swift action will be taken to resolve the conflict and restore harmony in the area.
