TENSIONS: Security Operatives Arrest Five As Edo Residents Protest Property Demolition

No fewer than five persons from the Oke-Oroma community in Edo State, have reportedly been arrested by security operatives at the premises of the National Museum in Benin.

The residents were said to have embarked on a protest on Thursday, over the demolition of their properties by the state government.

One of the protesters who spoke to newsmen said a combined team of security agencies made up of the Department of State Service, and Police stormed the venue with three Hilux vehicles, two Prado Jeeps, an armored tank, and machine guns after the protest.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the protesters were in the museum premises to round off the protest when the security men swooped on them.

He said the five persons include one Comrade Ojo Collins and four others. He said they were yet to know where the arrested persons were taken to.

According to Vanguard, the people of the Oke-Oroma community, as well as land developers, had on Thursday morning taken to the streets to protest against the demolitions of their properties and alleged forceful annexation of the land by the state government.

It was further gathered that not only the indigenes and the victims of the demolition, but traditionalists also took part in the peaceful protest under the watch of security agencies.

The traditionalists dressed in red attires, and carried clay pots filled with substances and a chicken to add an impetus to the seriousness of the protest; masquerades were also not left out in the protest.

It could be recalled that the Edo State government has earlier stated that it will commence the demolition of illegal structures constructed under high-tension cables and those in unauthorized places across the state.

According to the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, “The Edo State Government has observed that some illegal developers and squatters have continued the unwholesome practice of engaging in street trading and other associated activities in unsuitable locations such as under the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) High Tension Lines, particularly at Trinity Way, Abuja Quarters, Benin City.

The statement also stressed that the government will no longer tolerate the violation of the State Extant Town Planning Laws and Regulations.