One person has been left severely injured as the ongoing dispute between Binis and Ijaws in Edo State lingers.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that a minimum of two persons have also been declared missing following an attack on Saturday evening.
Briefing newsmen on Sunday, Comr Ebiwana Sam, Chairman Ijaw Youths Council, Olodiama Clan, said the latest incident was as a result of an attack on Ijaws of Ikoro community by Bini settlers of Agbomoba, who are tenants of Ikoro.
Ebiwana lamented that several calls to the Edo State Government to intercede in the crisis have been met with deaf ears, saying that the situation could snowball to an uncontrollable one if not nipped in the bud on time.
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He subsequently called on relevant authorities to pick interest in the dispute in order to restore peace in the area.
“As of Saturday December 30, there was an attack on Ikoro community by Binis who are settlers in our own land. One person was severely injured, while two others are still missing.
“It is unfortunate that our calls to the Edo State Government have been met with deaf ears, leaving us to conclude that perhaps the lives of Ijaws does not matter to the Governor Godwin Obaseki led administration.
“Let it be on record that the earlier the government intercede in this crisis, the earlier the loss of lives and properties would be averted.
“The lackadaisical attitude of the state government to the dispute could gradually snowball to a catastrophe unless the situation is nipped in the bud on time.
“To this end, we call on the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and all security agencies to be aware of a targeted onslaught against Ijaws of Edo State.
“We also reiterate our earlier resolve that we will not fold out hands to watch any attempts to oppress our people or cede our land to anybody,” he added.
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