Aiguobasinmwin Movement Warns Against Incitement, Urges Authorities to Preserve Peace

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 


The Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video in which some youths allegedly made statements threatening violence over the ownership of Gelegele, warning that such remarks could undermine peace in Edo State.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, the group said its attention had been drawn to the video in which individuals, identified as Ijaw youths, allegedly threatened that Benin people would face violence if they entered Gelegele community.

According to the group, some of the individuals featured in the video had previously participated in a peaceful protest to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) office in Edo State to demand youth empowerment, but noted that their recent comments were inflammatory and capable of escalating tensions.

The movement maintained that Gelegele is an integral part of Ughoton Community in the Benin Kingdom, adding that the Okao of Gelegele was officially recognised by the then Bendel State Government in 1985, with the traditional title conferred by the Oba of Benin.

It reaffirmed what it described as the Benin people's historical and ancestral claim to Gelegele, stressing that no form of intimidation or threat would prevent them from accessing the community.

"We assure all law-abiding citizens that we will enter our Gelegele village, and heaven will not fall. Benin people are peaceful, but we will not surrender our ancestral land to threats and intimidation," the statement said.

The group appealed to the Edo State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force to invite those responsible for the alleged threats for questioning and take proactive steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Gelegele and the wider Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The movement urged all parties to embrace dialogue and lawful means of resolving disputes, while calling on residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the area.

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